Washington Post editorial board endorses Alsobrooks in Maryland Senate primary

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

The Post’s editorial board cited Alsobrooks’ background in public safety and her work on specific state and local issues, such as moving FBI headquarters to Maryland, in issuing its endorsement of her.

The board described her as having a “realistic personal perspective and broad experience as a public servant” and noted that she would diversify the state’s congressional and U.S. Senate delegation, given the state’s current all-male congressional makeup. she has never elected a black woman statewide before.

“She has been a fiscally responsible steward during the pandemic and an advocate for economic development in areas historically left behind. She helped advocate for moving FBI headquarters to Greenbelt,” the board wrote.

“She struck a deal with Mr. Hogan when he was governor for up to $400 million in state bonds to guarantee reconstruction along Prince George’s five-mile Blue Line Corridor even if the Washington Commanders left their stadium ,” the council continued. “She embraced innovative public-private partnerships to build 10 new schools.”

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

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

Trone apologized after the incident, saying in a statement: “In 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 that I had accidentally used it and I apologize.”

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

The Post’s support could sway Democrats who haven’t yet made up their minds before the May 14 primaries.

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

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

Polls so far have shown Trone besting Alsobrooks in the primary, while polls have shown Hogan besting Trone in a general election contest.

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

This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story