With both kind words and sharp barbs throughout, U.S. Senate candidates Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) and former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) met on Oct. 10 for the sole debate in a race that may decide the partisan control of Congress’ upper chamber.
NBC4’s Tracee Wilkins, WBAL’s Deborah Weiner, and MPT’s Jeff Salkin served as the panelists during the debate, with CNN’s Chuck Todd as the main moderator.
Both Alsobrooks and Hogan thanked the audience for tuning in and offered pleasantries in their opening remarks, before showcasing key distinctions in their backgrounds. Alsobrooks spoke about her role as a mother to a teenage daughter and as the caregiver to retired parents, while Hogan said his desire to run was sparked by frustrations with the direction of the nation.
Candidates discussed major topics, such as reproductive rights and inflation; however, the future of the Senate, Supreme Court and White House also were critical points, noting that the candidates will be in the process of confirming or blocking justices and cabinet nominees.
Alsobrooks spoke in favor of expanding the Supreme Court or enacting term limits on justices, while Hogan said he was opposed to changing the rules. Hogan has previously described the justices appointed during the Trump Administration as “incredible.”
As the debate drew on, each candidate offered stronger criticisms of their competitor’s record and goals for Washington.
“We’re going to hear a lot of this talk all night; that’s how they talk in Washington. Focusing on party is not what I’m going to do,” said Hogan. “You’re going to hear nothing but red vs. blue. I’ve been the leading voice in my party to stand up to the things you’re talking about, and your campaign is based on multiple things that are not true.”
Hogan promised to codify Roe early in the debate, but advocates and legislators have pointed out that he vetoed abortion funding and a bill that expanded access to abortion.
Todd noted that TV ads portraying Hogan as an “independent voice” are funded by national Republicans.
“If he wanted to be an independent, he should have run as one,” said Alsobrooks. “He accepted McConnell’s offer to come in. McConnell bragged about recruiting him as an effort to build a majority for Republicans in the Senate.”
While Alsobrooks proudly touted her close ties to Vice President Kamala Harris (D), Hogan tried to distance himself from former President Donald Trump (R), who endorsed the former governor in July, and other national Republicans.
Reactions to the Debate Action
Multiple times during the debate, Todd asked candidates for a direct answer and at one point called Hogan “intentionally obtuse” regarding a response.
Many people took to social media after the debate in support and criticism of both candidates. While Alsobrooks seemed a perceived overall favorite to many social media users, others showed support for Hogan. However, some conservative voters criticized the Republican candidate’s more independent leanings.
“Hogan is not ideal but better than the alternative, Alsobrooks. Hogan supports the Ukraine war… wants a balanced budget and no tax increases,” a social media user wrote on X.
Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen accused Hogan’s campaign of attempting to smear Alsobrooks’ name and touted her work in Prince George’s.
Other Maryland Democratic leaders, such as U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), weighed in on the county executive’s performance in the debate.
“I want to congratulate my dear friend, Angela Alsobrooks, on winning tonight’s debate against Larry Hogan. People in Prince George’s County know just how impressive of a leader Angela has been, and tonight, I’m so glad that Marylanders across the state got another chance to see the leadership she will bring to the Senate,” said Hoyer, an early endorser of the Alsobrooks campaign.
He encouraged Maryland voters to support Alsobrooks in hopes of strengthening the state and nation.
“By electing Angela Alsobrooks, we will defend our Democratic majority in the Senate and create new opportunities for Marylanders to get ahead,” Hoyer said. “I’m so proud to be in her corner.”
Alsobrooks has led in most polling since the primary election and is now leading by double digits.
The debate is available in full here, courtesy of Maryland Public Television.