It May All Hinge on Maryland

Larry Hogan, the affable two-term governor of Maryland, is not only an anomaly in a state dominated by Democrats but also a testament to the enduring appeal of moderate conservatism. His tenure, marked by fiscal discipline, pragmatism, and an unwavering commitment to bipartisanship, stands as a masterclass in governance. Hogan’s legacy, one of steady leadership and a clear-eyed focus on the needs of Marylanders, is an achievement that should be celebrated—and it stands in stark contrast to the tenure of Angela Alsobrooks, the Democratic County Executive of Prince George’s County, whose record is far less glowing.

Hogan’s rise to power and his enduring popularity can be attributed to something rare in today’s political climate: results. Hogan took office at a time when Maryland’s economy was struggling under the weight of high taxes and bloated spending. The state was suffocating under policies that stifled small businesses, and its citizens were beginning to feel the pinch. Hogan, with the clarity and precision of a man who understood that the government’s job is to serve, not suffocate, quickly turned things around. He didn’t do it by shouting from the rooftops or indulging in partisan warfare—he did it by doing what should be expected of every public servant: governing responsibly.

Hogan worked across the aisle with a heavily Democratic legislature to cut taxes by $4.7 billion, reduce the size of government, and spur economic growth. He invested in infrastructure and education, including a historic $32 billion for public schools. But perhaps most significantly, Hogan restored trust in government. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, balancing public health with economic concerns, further cemented his reputation as a steady hand in turbulent times.

In contrast, Angela Alsobrooks, who succeeded Rushern Baker as County Executive of Prince George’s County, has failed to demonstrate the same level of competence or leadership. Alsobrooks came into office with promises of reform and prosperity for her constituents, yet Prince George’s County continues to grapple with troubling levels of crime and corruption. Under her leadership, violent crime has surged, and residents in Prince George’s County are left wondering where the executive they voted for has gone. Homicides, carjackings, and assaults plague the county, with Alsobrooks seemingly more preoccupied with her next political step than addressing these escalating problems.

Alsobrooks has leaned heavily on her campaign's focus on national abortion rights, painting herself as a stalwart defender of women’s health in the Senate race. The International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers recently endorsed her, with union president Tim Driscoll declaring the stakes of this election high. Alsobrooks herself has made it clear that she views the race as being “about our families, about our future”—which is political shorthand for suggesting Hogan is merely an impediment to a grand Democratic vision.

But Hogan, in his typical fashion, has calmly brushed aside this partisan theater. He understands that Marylanders are, at their core, concerned about something more concrete than abstract, polarized battles over national issues. Hogan’s campaign reminds voters that "we’re really just trying to clean up the mess in Washington," and that’s where his strength lies—cutting through the noise of red-versus-blue conflict to offer a focus on practical governance.

Hogan’s balanced stance on abortion only reinforces his moderate appeal. While Alsobrooks has lashed out on national abortion rights as a central campaign theme, Hogan has positioned himself as a voice of reason. He supports codifying abortion rights at the federal level, much like Alsobrooks, but his pragmatic approach appeals to voters who are tired of the shrill partisanship defining national discourse. Hogan even backs a measure to enshrine abortion rights in Maryland’s State Constitution, underscoring that his tenure as governor was never about hard-right dogma but about giving Marylanders a voice in shaping their future.

However, Alsobrooks’ recent conduct has done her no favors. The news that she has been caught avoiding taxes has thrown her integrity into question, and while her supporters may attempt to downplay the seriousness of the matter, it is symptomatic of a larger issue. Public service requires transparency and accountability—two qualities Alsobrooks has, at best, selectively embraced. The scandal, coupled with rising crime rates under her watch, paints a grim picture for a candidate asking to be entrusted with higher office.

It’s no surprise that Alsobrooks is leaning heavily on endorsements from national figures like Senator Amy Klobuchar to shore up her credibility, with Klobuchar asserting that Alsobrooks would be a “firm” voice for codifying Roe v. Wade into law. Yet, what Alsobrooks lacks in this race is a track record of true leadership. Unlike Hogan, who has navigated the treacherous waters of bipartisanship and emerged with tangible results, Alsobrooks has shown herself to be more adept at political posturing than delivering for her constituents.

This Senate race presents Maryland voters with a clear choice. Hogan, the practical and proven leader, seeks to restore functionality to Washington, where dysfunction reigns supreme. Alsobrooks, in contrast, offers an agenda rooted in national political skirmishes, backed by a personal record tainted by mismanagement and ethical lapses.

Hogan’s tenure as governor was a beacon of competence, leadership, and integrity—qualities that Alsobrooks sorely lacks. Maryland voters would be wise to remember the difference between a candidate who talks a good game and one who has already delivered for them, time and again.