A Democratic primary debate for Maryland’s U.S. Senate race between Rep. David Trone and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks was abruptly canceled Sunday just hours before the event.
Mr. Trone, 68, was hospitalized after he reported feeling dehydrated and had developed a fever.
“[Saturday] night following an event, David felt dehydrated and began to register a fever,” his campaign said in a statement. “Out of an abundance of caution, David’s doctor encouraged him to seek further testing at a local hospital. David is feeling well and expecting to return home this afternoon. We apologize for the late cancellation of events David was expected to participate in today and look forward to being back on the trail soon.”
Mr. Trone said in a social media post he was released from the hospital Monday afternoon and was “feeling great.” His campaign said he was diagnosed with a “minor stomach infection” and will “resume a full campaign schedule in the days ahead.”
The winner of the Democratic primary is expected to face former Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, in the general election. Mr. Hogan’s last-minute entry into the race immediately made the contest one of the most competitive in the country, as Senate Democrats try to maintain their one-seat majority.
The debate is the second to be canceled due to Mr. Trone. Another scheduled for April 23 was scrapped days earlier by a hosting TV station after Mr. Trone refused to commit.
A source close to the congressman’s campaign told The Washington Times last week that scheduling concerns, including the recent Baltimore bridge collapse and the House schedule, rendered Mr. Trone unable to participate in the April 23 debate. The House is scheduled to be on recess that week.
The Democratic primary election is on May 14.
Ms. Alsobrooks, 53, attended Sunday’s event hosted by the Baltimore County Democrats and the Baltimore City Democratic State Central Committee in Turner Station, which became a town hall due to no debate opponent.
“We certainly want to wish him well, wish him a speedy recovery, and we look forward to seeing him back out on the campaign trail very soon,” Ms. Alsobrooks said of Mr. Trone.
Fox’s Baltimore affiliate is set to host a televised debate between the two candidates on April 19.
Mr. Trone, a wealthy businessman and founder of the Total Wine & More chain, is favored in the primary race by a single-digit polling margin among Democratic voters.
A poll released last week from The Baltimore Banner/Goucher College showed both Democrats closing the gap against Mr. Hogan in hypothetical general election matchups, with Mr. Hogan beating Mr. Trone 43%-42% and Ms. Alsobrooks 44%-40%.
• Ramsey Touchberry can be reached at rtouchberry@washingtontimes.com.
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