By Sabrina McCrear
Howard University News Service
Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks won a pivotal election this evening and is now the first African-American to serve as U.S. Senator for the state of Maryland.
The announcement, made around 9:30 p.m., was a monumental moment for Maryland and so heated that it stood out among the other senate races still awaiting results.
Alsobrooks’ win had the potential to prevent Republicans from gaining the majority in the U.S. Senate. However, live updates reported the Republic party has claimed more state senators than originally anticipated.
It’s still too early to say whether the Senate will remain evenly split. Nevertheless, Alsobrooks promises to represent her state and community with pride and dignity.
Hundreds of supporters were in attendance at Alsobrooks’ election watch party at the University of Maryland, College Park, and numerous speakers were featured, including Maryland city council members and state congressmen.
Alsobrooks’ campaign volunteer and childhood friend Doretea Burton said, “I knew that this was an excellent candidate; she has been involved in government service when we were in high school.”
Alsobrooks’ pastor the Rev. John K. Jenkins Sr. of First Baptist Church Glen Arden, was also present. Although the church did not endorse her campaign, plenty of individual members did.
“She’s very community-minded. She’s a person of conviction and morals and I’m very appreciative of her service to our community,” Jenkins said.
The crowd at the watch party went ballistic when it was announced Alsobrooks won the election.
Church members and organizations also showed their support. A plethora of Divine Nine representatives adorned their paraphernalia in support of Alsobrooks.
Before her big win, Alsobrooks served two terms as Prince George’s County executive and two terms as state attorney in Prince George’s County. She was also the county’s first full-time domestic violence prosecutor.
Her service to the community has been nothing short of impactful and her win is monumental, supporter Cynthia Terry said. “My first thoughts are that it’s really sad that we [are] in 2024 and there are still some first Black anything,” she said.
According to supporters, Alsobrooks has a track record of paving new paths as she leads by example.
“When you can look back over a person’s life and have a record of integrity, a record of honesty, and to have motives,” said Burton. “It makes me want to say this is a politician…This is a public servant we need in office.
Sabrina McCrear is a HU News Service reporter.
