In a historic moment for Maryland politics, Angela Alsobrooks, the Prince George’s County Executive, received a monumental endorsement on a significant date. Maryland’s first Black female House speaker, Adrienne Jones, publicly announced her support for Alsobrooks in Maryland’s open U.S. Senate race, marking a crucial turning point in the campaign. This endorsement carries immense significance, both in terms of breaking barriers and promoting a candidate who is deeply committed to representing the people of Maryland.
The endorsement took place on August 28, 2023, exactly sixty years after a watershed moment in the fight for civil rights in Maryland. On that day in 1963, segregation at the Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in Baltimore County came to an end. Six decades later, Angela Alsobrooks stands at the same location as a “path-breaker” herself, symbolizing the progress made in Maryland and the nation since those historic events.
Incumbent U.S. Senator Ben Cardin’s announcement in May 2023 that he would not seek re-election set the stage for a highly competitive open Senate race in Maryland. Angela Alsobrooks, who currently serves as the Prince George’s County Executive, is one of the Democratic candidates vying for the nomination. If she succeeds in securing the nomination and subsequently winning the November 2024 election, Alsobrooks would make history as Maryland’s first Black female U.S. Senator.
Adrienne Jones, whose endorsement carries substantial weight, spoke passionately about the importance of electing Angela Alsobrooks. “I want to make history. I want to see a Black woman from Maryland in the United States Senate. But more importantly, I want to see someone in the office who will get it right,” Jones declared. Her endorsement emphasizes not just the historical significance of Alsobrooks’ candidacy but also her ability to effectively represent the interests and concerns of Marylanders.
Angela Alsobrooks shares a vision of representation and advocacy for the people she aims to serve. “I think it’s important to have senators who live like, think like, and understand the cares and concerns of the people they represent,” Alsobrooks stated. Her candidacy embodies a commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that the voices of all Marylanders are heard and represented on the national stage.
Mileah Kromer, the director of the Sarah T. Hughes Center for Politics at Goucher College, emphasized the significance of endorsements in political campaigns, particularly in the early stages. Adrienne Jones, as Maryland’s most powerful female politician, brings substantial credibility and influence to Alsobrooks’ campaign. As Kromer noted, Jones’ endorsement is pivotal, given the dynamics of the race.
This endorsement is not just important in political circles; it also resonates with voters who admire Adrienne Jones’ leadership and judgment. Louise Wylie, a Baltimore County voter who participated in protests at the Gwynn Oak Amusement Park during the 1960s, expressed her trust in Jones’ decision. “I don’t know all of them that well, but Adrienne? Yes. And, if Adrienne says something that I’m not sure about, then I follow Adrienne,” Wylie affirmed.
In the Democratic primary race, Alsobrooks faces competition from Montgomery County Councilman Will Jawando and U.S. Rep. David Trone, who is self-funding his campaign with significant financial resources. Trone has garnered numerous endorsements, including support from 27 current members of the U.S. House. The primary election day for Maryland is set for May 14, 2024, and as Mileah Kromer pointed out, the coming months will be crucial for candidates to gain name recognition and build momentum.
In the end, Angela Alsobrooks’ historic endorsement by Adrienne Jones not only symbolizes progress in Maryland but also underscores the importance of representation and experience in the race for Maryland’s U.S. Senate seat. As the campaign unfolds, voters will have the opportunity to evaluate the candidates and make their voices heard, shaping the future of Maryland’s representation in the Senate.
Photo credit: The Office of the County Executive
