Five Black Democrats in the House of Representatives have thrown their support behind Angela Alsobrooks in the Maryland Senate primary, following a controversial incident involving her opponent, Representative David Trone.
Trone came under fire after using a racial slur during a House Budget Committee hearing, where he referred to a Republican as a “jigaboo.” Despite issuing an apology and claiming he meant to say “bugaboo,” the damage was done.
In a surprising turn of events, Representatives Joyce Beatty, Yvette Clarke, Jasmine Crockett, Barbara Lee, and Gregory Meeks, all members of the Congressional Black Caucus, endorsed Alsobrooks over Trone. This move is significant, especially considering that Democratic House leaders have backed Trone.
Alsobrooks, the executive of Prince George’s County, expressed gratitude for the support from these influential lawmakers, emphasizing the importance of having allies who understand and address the challenges faced by the community.
The primary race between Alsobrooks and Trone, along with other candidates, is set for May 14. The winner will likely face former Governor Larry Hogan as the Republican nominee in the general election, which has become unexpectedly competitive.
With endorsements from additional Maryland representatives and Governor Wes Moore, Alsobrooks is gaining momentum in her campaign. While Trone’s campaign and some of the endorsing representatives have not responded to requests for comments, the support for Alsobrooks continues to grow.
As the race heats up, all eyes will be on the Maryland Senate primary, where the fallout from Trone’s controversial remarks may have a lasting impact on the outcome.
