WASHINGTON — As we move closer to Election Day 2024, more and more political endorsements are being announced. On Monday, endorsements for Angela Alsobrooks and David Trone came out as the two campaign to replace Ben Cardin in the U.S. Senate.
Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) released a video Monday announcing his support for Alsobrooks, saying that she will defend democracy, protect women’s rights and fight for all Marylanders in the Senate.
“I’m supporting Angela Alsobrooks for the U.S. Senate because she’s going to deliver for the people of Maryland every day while defending democracy and freedom against Donald Trump and his MAGA party," Raskin said.
The Congressman believes Alsobrooks can defeat Larry Hogan, the former Maryland governor also running in the race, in November and "prevent extremists" from taking control of the Senate.
“This is not a time when anybody can afford to sit on the sidelines, and I’m asking my friends across Maryland to join Angela’s campaign because she’s going to be a Senator who fights for all of us," Raskin said.
With his endorsement, Raskin joins almost every Democratic member of Maryland’s federal delegation, including Senator Chris Van Hollen, and Congressmen Steny Hoyer, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume and Glenn Ivey in backing Alsobrooks. The Prince George's County Executive is also backed by Gov. Wes Moore, Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, Comptroller Brooke Lierman and many other state and local leaders.
“I am thankful to Congressman Raskin for his support and for his tremendous leadership. He represents so beautifully, not only the principles of democracy but of integrity, decency, dignity, equality- all of the things our country stands for,” said Alsobrooks. “I can’t wait to get to work for Marylanders and for all Americans, as so many of our freedoms are on the line. And I will fight to ensure that everyone across this state has what I want for my own family; access to jobs that pay a living wage, quality education for our kids, and safe communities to live and grow our families. We will go farther together.”
However, before Alsobrooks would face Hogan, or any other Republican candidate in the general election, she'll have to face off against Trone in the primary.
Also on Monday, several state and local leaders endorsed Trone, including health and Government Operations Chair Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Deni Taveras, Ashanti Martinez and Mary Lehman, along with Mayor Celina Benitez of Mount Rainier, Mayor Monica Casañas of Colmar Manor, Councilmember Brianna Urbina, and Councilmember Kony Serrano.
"David's different. He’s the only elected official I’ve met other than me who knows what it’s like to grow up using an outhouse," said Chairwoman Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Maryland State Delegate. "David cares about people and fights hard for what he believes in. In Congress, he's done a lot to create opportunities for returning citizens and to protect women’s rights. But what I love most– and what we need most– is his independence. He’ll never take a nickel from special interests. He only answers to the people. His story is the American story—he watched his dad struggle and lose everything. But he didn't quit. He built something from nothing. As an immigrant, that means everything to me."
Ashanti Martinez, Maryland State Delegate agreed, saying in a statement that Trone understands that our tomorrows are not guaranteed.
"Maryland voters deserve a mission-driven Senator who is committed to creating real change, not scoring political points," said Martinez. "David Trone is a leader who knows how to fight tough battles and win for our progressive values and how to give every community the tools and resources it needs to unlock its potential.”
While announcing the endorsements, Trone's team said he is the only candidate rejecting money from PACs, lobbyists, and corporations, adding that the delegates and local leaders endorsing him know he has the independence to fight for them.
"There has never been a more important time for workers to have a true champion in the United States Senate. I’m proud to endorse David Trone because as a progressive business founder he understands that leading with your values isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s good business," said Deni Taveras, Maryland State Delegate. "In the House, David has always fought to put people over politics, and in the Senate, he will always stand with our workers and fight against the corporate greed that drives wage theft and sets back workers safety across our nation.”
“I’m endorsing David Trone for Senate because this is a crucial time in the fight for health care and retirement security for millions of Americans, and David has a proven track record getting big things done through a divided Senate," added Mary Lehman, Maryland State Delegate. "I know David is ready to hit the ground running on day one, working across the aisle to protect our progressive values and guarantee Social Security and Medicare for a new generation of American seniors. He’ll always fight for Maryland, and I’m proud to endorse his candidacy.”
Trone thanked those who endorsed him Monday, saying he was deeply honored to receive their support.
"This is a truly extraordinary group of public servants who share my mission to put people over politics and to fight for people and communities too often left out and left behind," he said. "In the United States Senate, I’ll give these incredible elected officials a partner who is willing to roll up their sleeves and fight for the progress their communities deserve. From helping more Black and Latino business owners create the future of their dreams to building world-class schools and raising pay for our educators and American workers, I know that together we can do truly great things for Prince George’s County and the state of Maryland, and I am humbled to have their trust and support.”
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.
