Washington Post editorial board endorses Alsobrooks in Maryland Senate primary

The Washington Post editorial board announced Thursday it’s endorsing Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) over Rep. David Trone (D-Md.) in the Maryland Senate Democratic primary.

The Post editorial board cited Alsobrooks’s track record on public safety and her work on state- and local-specific issues, like the FBI headquarters move to Maryland, in issuing its endorsement of her.  

The board described her as having a “down-to-earth personal perspective and ample seasoning as a public official” and noted she would diversify the state’s congressional delegation and the U.S. Senate given the state’s current all-male congressional makeup. The state has also never elected a Black woman statewide before.  

“She has been a fiscally responsible steward through the pandemic and a champion of economic development in areas historically left behind. She helped make the case for moving the FBI headquarters to Greenbelt,” the board wrote.  

“She worked out a deal with Mr. Hogan when he was governor for up to $400 million in state bonds to ensure redevelopment along Prince George’s five-mile Blue Line Corridor even if the Washington Commanders leave their stadium,” the board continued. “She embraced innovative public-private partnerships to construct 10 new schools.” 

The board acknowledged Alsobrooks might need a “learning curve” on foreign policy and federal issues but suggested she would be up for the task. 

The editorial board, meanwhile, called Trone’s record “creditable” but also noted a recent gaffe the House Democrat had made last month when he used a racial slur during a congressional hearing.  

Trone apologized following the incident, saying in a statement, “While attempting to use the word ‘bugaboo’ in a hearing, I misspoke and mistakenly used a phrase that is offensive.” 

“Upon learning the meaning of the word I was deeply disappointed to have accidentally used it, and I apologize.” 

Trone and Alsobrooks are running against each other to take on former Gov. Larry Hogan (R) in November for outgoing Sen. Ben Cardin’s (D-Md.) seat.  

The Post’s backing could sway those Democrats who have yet to make up their minds ahead of the May 14 primary. 

Alsobrooks wrote in a statement on social platform X that she was “honored” to have received the Post’s endorsement. 

“BREAKING: I am so honored to announce that our campaign has received the endorsement from the @washingtonpost,” she wrote. “This endorsement shows that our grassroots movement has the momentum and energy needed to win this primary and keep Maryland blue!” 

Polling has so far shown Trone edging out Alsobrooks in the primary while surveys have shown Hogan outperforming Trone in a general election match-up. 

Still, Hogan faces an uphill battle given the state’s Democratic leanings.