Rep. David Trone endorsed by House Democratic leaders in boost to Maryland Senate campaign

Rep. David Trone won major endorsements Monday from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other conference leaders in his bid for an open Senate seat in Maryland.

The support from Mr. Jeffries, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar boosts Mr. Trone, 68, as he battles Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks in what’s become a fierce two-person primary in the deep-blue state.

“I have always been able to count on David Trone to fight back against extreme MAGA Republicans and put people over politics,” Mr. Jeffries said. “In the Senate, I am confident that David will do the right thing for the people of Maryland and therefore I am proud to endorse my colleague in his race for statewide office.”

Mr. Jeffries pointed to Mr. Trone’s efforts to boost the tech sector in Maryland and promote criminal justice reform.

Mr. Trone and Ms. Alsobrooks are competing to replace Sen. Ben Cardin, a Democrat who decided to retire instead of seeking reelection in 2024.

Ms. Alsobrooks also notched big-time endorsements from former House Minority Leader Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, among others.

If elected, she would be the first Black senator from the state.

“Angela’s a leader. She is a public servant in every beautiful definition of the word,” Mr. Moore said in October.

The governor endorsed Ms. Alsobrooks days after Montgomery County Council member Will Jawando withdrew from the Senate race because he didn’t see a path to victory.

Mr. Trone rose to prominence as the founder of the Total Wine and More chain. He announced his run for the Senate in May, saying “the clock is ticking” on critical issues such as the fentanyl-fueled overdose crisis.

Mr. Trone lost his nephew to the drug epidemic, and he co-chairs the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force.

“He is a passionate champion for mental health, centering his focus in Congress on addiction, criminal justice reform, medical research and education,” Ms. Clark said.

Democratic leaders also credited Mr. Trone with securing $370 million in infrastructure funding for Maryland roads.

Ms. Alsobrooks, meanwhile, is highlighting her hands-on campaign on social media. She posted photographs from a busy weekend that featured stops at local restaurants, labor union Christmas parties and a church service.

She has received support from Democratic senators with whom she would serve if she wins in November, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Raphael Warnock of Georgia.

The Trone campaign this month released an internal poll from Hickman Analytics that had the congressman leading Ms. Alsobrooks, 41%-34%. The survey of 1,000 likely Democratic primary voters had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.