Rep. Maxwell Frost, a progressive lawmaker from Florida, has endorsed Angela Alsobrooks for Senate in Maryland, where she is running to become the state’s first Black female U.S. senator. Frost emphasized the need for bold progressive fighters who will address issues such as gun violence, climate change, and supporting vulnerable communities. Alsobrooks, the county executive for Prince George’s County, is competing against Rep. David Trone for the Democratic nomination, with both candidates securing endorsements from various wings of the party. Frost, a Gen Z member of Congress, was motivated to run for office after the 2018 shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL.
Alsobrooks, who shares Frost’s commitment to gun safety measures, including an assault weapons ban, highlighted her work in keeping families safe and expressed the importance of taking action rather than sitting on the sidelines. She served as the state’s attorney for Prince George’s County before becoming its county executive in 2018. Trone, the founder of Total Wine & More, has heavily funded his campaigns, arguing that he offers tested leadership and cannot be influenced by PACs. If elected, Alsobrooks would make history as the first Black woman elected to represent Maryland in the Senate, bringing a necessary voice to the state’s diverse electorate.
The open Senate race in Maryland to replace retiring Democrat Ben Cardin has become unexpectedly competitive, not only in the primary but also in the general election with Republican Larry Hogan’s surprise comeback. Hogan, the popular former governor of Maryland, poses a significant challenge to Democrats in the general election. Frost believes that Alsobrooks is the best candidate to defeat Hogan, emphasizing the need to engage younger voters and women. With a number of vulnerable Democratic seats across the country, Maryland’s Senate race has become a critical battleground for the party.
Frost’s endorsement of Alsobrooks adds to the growing tension within the Democratic Party in Maryland, where the race for the Senate seat is heating up. While Alsobrooks has secured the support of progressive lawmakers like Frost, Trone has backing from moderate congressional Democrats. Both candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination in the May contest, with endorsements playing a crucial role in shaping the race. Alsobrooks has emphasized the importance of a broad coalition to address gun violence, describing it as an epidemic that requires collaborative efforts to solve.
Alsobrooks and Frost share a commitment to addressing gun violence and advocating for safety measures to protect communities. Frost’s background as a national organizing director for March for Our Lives, a youth-led anti-gun violence organization, aligns with his support for Alsobrooks, who has focused on public safety throughout her career. Frost believes that Alsobrooks’s perspective and advocacy would benefit all Maryland residents, especially given the state’s significant Black population. Alsobrooks’s election would not only make history as the first Black woman senator from Maryland but also provide diverse representation in the Senate.
With Maryland’s Senate race becoming increasingly competitive and the unexpected entry of Larry Hogan into the fray, Democrats are facing a tough battle to retain the seat. Frost’s endorsement of Alsobrooks underscores the importance of progressive voices in shaping the future of the party and addressing key issues such as gun violence and climate change. As the primary election approaches, the race between Alsobrooks and Trone will likely intensify, with endorsements and support playing a crucial role in determining the outcome. Alsobrooks’s candidacy represents a significant opportunity to make history and bring diverse representation to the Senate, reflecting the changing demographics and priorities of Maryland residents.
