Angela Alsobrooks won the Maryland Democratic US Senate nomination this week, a feat that could see her becoming just the fourth black woman in the US Senate when she takes on the Republican nominee, Larry Hogan, in November.
But there is so much more to this story that makes the nomination win worth celebrating.
Alsobrooks won the primary despite serious odds against her, including the more than US$60 million ($90 million) of his own money that David Trone spent trying to retain his place on the Democratic ticket.
Trone is a three-term representative in the seat who made his fortune as a liquor magnate. He ran dozens of original ads during his campaign, blanketing television across the area. One particularly contentious version declared the Democrats couldn’t risk someone with “training wheels” (the ad was later pulled).
Trone, who made his money founding a chain of liquor stores called Total Wine & More, outspent Alsobrooks on the campaign trail by seven to one. He tapped his own fortune, Alsobrooks had to hit the phones to raise the money.
Alsobrooks also came up against racist and sexist slurs, and plenty of demeaning language against her during the campaign.
In talking about his opponent during the race, Trone said that representation was “fantastic”. but that voters needed to “leave color behind” to choose the best person for the job.
The Democrats have held the Senate seat for more than four decades, but the November race looks set to be more competitive than ever. Republican nominee, former Governor Larry Hogan, has garnered wide support for his anti-Trump stance. Hogan is liked by both Democrats and Republicans and has attempted to cast himself as more of an independent, than a representative beholden to any party.
As for Alsobrooks’ so-called “training wheels” in this race? She may not have the money of her opponents, not does she share the more typical background. As she said to supporters following her win, “stories like mine don’t generally make it to the United States Senate.”
But Alsobrooks does have the tenacity, resilience, intelligence, community connections and a proven track record in delivering.
Born and raised in Maryland, Alsobrooks entered public service after graduating. She made history as the youngest and first woman elected as state attorney for Prince George’s County. She also served as the county’s first full time assistant state attorney to handle domestic violence cases.
She achieved a 50 per cent drop in crime during her tenure as the county’s top law enforcement officer, as well as a victory in establishing the first-of-its-kind unit for investigating and prosecuting police and official misconduct.
Now, she’s promised to “put in the work” for the fight ahead in November, determined to keep the state blue.