By Megan Sayles
AFRO Business Writer
msayles@afro.com
Former supporters of Larry Hogan, former governor of Maryland (R) are now backing Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks as she strives for Maryland’s U.S. Senate seat. The Maryland Democratic Party hosted a press conference at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center in Annapolis, Md. on Oct. 28, giving a voice to individuals who have decided to champion Alsobrooks despite voting for Hogan in the past.
Photo courtesy X (Twitter) / Governor Wes Moore
The outcome of the race could impact control of the U.S. Senate, as Democrats maintain a narrow majority.
“We know what’s at stake in this election—reproductive freedoms, an economy that works for everyone, creating safer communities by combating gun violence, supreme court justices and, of course, a Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate so we can get all of this stuff done,” said Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman.
The mayor said that he publicly supported Hogan for governor in 2018, noting that the pair worked well together while he was in office. However, he has taken issue with the rhetoric coming from Hogan’s campaign as of late.
“Name-calling, personal attacks— this is not befitting of the man I remember as governor, a man whose whole brand is about being able to work well with everyone,” said Ashman. “One thing is true about all campaigns. As we get closer to election day, they become more emotional and heated. If you look closely, you can tell which campaign has the edge because that’s the one that’s focused on the people and the work that needs to be done.”
On Oct. 8, the former governor shared an ad on X, formerly known as Twitter, undermining Alsobrooks’ public safety record— a core talking point during the county executive’s campaign. The ad touted the Maryland Fraternal Order of Police’s endorsement of Hogan and slammed Alsobrooks for releasing “violent criminals and drug dealers.”
Diane Stokes, a resident of Hyattsville, M.d., also condemned attacks from the former governor’s campaign. She voted for Hogan twice before.
“It’s everything that’s wrong with the current Republican party,” said Stokes. “I’m so proud of Angela and so proud to vote for her. She represents a new generation of leaders— people who are focused on the job and the people they serve, not the petty politics and name calling and personal attacks. I’m not afraid to cross party lines to vote to vote across the aisle.”
Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who endorsed Alsobrooks last October, gave remarks at the event alongside first lady Dawn Moore. He said he was proud to cast his ballot early in support of the county executive.
Moore noted that some spectators took issue with his decision to back Alsobrooks in the primary election, as it’s not typical for sitting governors to recommend a candidate so early.
“It wasn’t just the right thing to do,” said Moore. “It’s because she’s the right leader for this moment. I felt it a long time ago. I still feel it to this day.”
He believes Alsobrooks will usher in an era of integrity, thoughtfulness, kindness and brilliance.
“I know that Angela is going to bring something so unique and special to that seat,” said Moore. “She’s going to bring something that’s going to make us not just proud as Marylanders, I think she’s going to make us proud as Americans.”
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