Maryland Gov. Wes Moore voted early Monday for Angela Alsobrooks, hoping to keep an open Senate seat in Democratic hands and out of reach for former Gov. Larry Hogan, a popular Republican making an aggressive challenge for the seat.
Mr. Moore, a Democrat, said he trusts Ms. Alsobrooks to make “big things happen” for Maryland. The governor also backed Ms. Alsobrooks, the executive of Prince George’s County, during the Democratic primary.
“We’re very proud that we just had a chance to vote yes to make Kamala Harris the next president of the United States,” Mr. Moore, joined by his wife, Dawn Moore, said in remarks carried by WBFF-TV in Gaithersburg. “And we are very proud that now for the second time — because we did in the primary and now also in the general — we had the chance to vote yes to make Angela Alsobrooks the next senator for the state of Maryland.”
Ms. Alsobrooks is leading Mr. Hogan by 11 percentage points in the Real Clear Politics average of polls.
The candidates are vying to replace Sen. Ben Cardin, a Democrat who opted to retire instead of seeking a fourth term.
Mr. Hogan considered a presidential run this cycle as voters grumbled about their choices at the top of the ticket. After passing on a presidential run, he opted for a Senate bid.
Mr. Hogan, who served two terms as governor in the deep-blue state, is openly courting Harris supporters. He’s emphasizing his support for abortion rights, his efforts as governor to cut taxes and tolls, and his willingness to work across the aisle and criticize former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee.
Ms. Alsobrooks and fellow Democrats are focusing on the overall math in the Senate. Democrats will struggle this cycle to hold onto a slim majority, so every seat counts in determining which party sets the agenda and grabs the committee gavels next year.
“We know what is at stake in this election. Reproductive freedoms, an economy that works for everyone, creating safer communities by combating gun violence. Supreme Court justices, and of course, a Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate so we can get all of this stuff done,” Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman said at Mr. Moore’s press conference.
Ms. Alsobrooks ran an ad highlighting direct support from Ms. Harris.
“Control of the United States Senate could come down to Maryland, so I am counting on you to support my friend Angela Alsobrooks,” the Democratic presidential nominee says to the camera.
Early voting in Maryland started on Oct. 24 and will run through Thursday, which is Halloween.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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