By Kristina Peterson

Democrat Angela Alsobrooks defeated former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan in the Maryland Senate race, keeping the open seat in the Democrats' column, the Associated Press projected. With 52% of the vote counted, Alsobrooks had 55% of the vote, to 43% for Hogan.

As The Wall Street Journal has reported, Hogan's run as a centrist Republican who regularly criticizes former President Donald Trump made Maryland host to one of the nation's most unusual Senate races. The former two-term governor's decision to enter the contest in February created a surprise opportunity for the GOP, which was hoping that a coalition of Republicans and suburban swing voters could propel him to an upset win.

Alsobrooks's message boiled down to reminding voters that the well-liked Hogan is still a Republican-at a time when the Democratic majority in the Senate was in deep jeopardy. Polls had shown Alsobrooks, the Prince George's County executive, consistently leading heading into Election Day, but Hogan's popularity and name recognition had raised the prospect of an upset.

Alsobrooks will be the first Black lawmaker to represent the state in the Senate, joining the chamber alongside Democratic Rep. Lisa Blunt-Rochester, who was elected Tuesday night from Delaware. Nationwide, only three Black women, including Vice President Kamala Harris, have served in the Senate.

This item is part of a Wall Street Journal live coverage event. The full stream can be found by searching P/WSJL (WSJ Live Coverage).

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 05, 2024 21:37 ET (02:37 GMT)

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