Maryland Election: Alsobrooks Wins Big, Hogan's Run Ends
Maryland voters chose a new direction on Tuesday, with Democrat Wes Moore securing a resounding victory in the gubernatorial race against Republican Dan Cox. Moore, a former Army officer and author, will become the state's first Black governor.
But the big news of the night was County Executive Angela Alsobrooks absolutely crushing Republican challenger Reginald Leach in the Prince George's County Executive race. Alsobrooks, who is the first female County Executive in the county's history, scored a landslide victory with an estimated 70% of the vote. This victory, and the county's overall strong support for Democrats, shows the county is staying solidly blue.
Hogan's eight years as governor were marked by some successes and some missteps. He was able to work across the aisle to get some things done, but he also faced criticism from both sides for his handling of certain issues. His focus on cutting taxes and reducing regulations was a win for some, but it also hurt some key programs.
The defeat of Cox, a Trump-backed candidate who made election denial a key part of his campaign, marks a clear rejection of the former president's divisive rhetoric. Maryland, a state that hasn't voted for a Republican for president since 2004, is clearly not ready for a Trump-style leader.
The election results showcase the deep partisan divide that exists in the state. While Democrats continue to dominate in most areas, some Republicans were able to find success in specific areas, particularly in the more rural parts of the state.
Overall, the results are a clear victory for Democrats in Maryland. Wes Moore's win marks a new chapter for the state, and Angela Alsobrooks' commanding victory ensures Prince George's County remains a Democratic stronghold.
What's Next?
With Moore in office, the state will see a shift in priorities. He's promised to focus on issues like education, healthcare, and economic development. He'll also have to deal with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the impacts of climate change on the state.
The future of Maryland politics is still uncertain, but one thing is clear: Democrats are in control for the foreseeable future.