Staff Reports
A recent poll from AARP has introduced a surprising twist to the Maryland Senate race, where the once-comfortable Democratic stronghold appears to be wobbling under pressure like a toddler on a tricycle. The matchup features Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, with both candidates neck and neck at 46 percent. This is a state where the Democrats have typically held the upper hand, but Hogan, a two-term governor, is making a commendable effort to give traditional power players in Maryland a serious case of heartburn.
Despite Maryland’s overwhelming Democratic registration, Hogan is pulling in a significant number of Independents, leading them by 23 points. Even more surprisingly, about a quarter of registered Democrats are throwing their lot in with him. It appears that Hogan’s moderate approach might just resonate with voters seeking a solid alternative amidst a sea of traditionally blue candidates. This is what happens when a candidate focuses on issues rather than party allegiance; they might just win a few confused, but curious, Democrats along the way.
Demographic breakdowns reveal stark voting patterns that might raise eyebrows around the state. Women are largely leaning toward Alsobrooks by 8 points, while men are favoring Hogan by a solid 10 points. However, what is perhaps more revealing is Hogan’s dominance among white voters aged 50 and over, where he leads by a remarkable 20 points. Indeed, older voters, who’ve been around the block a few times, seem to favor Hogan’s track record over party rhetoric. Meanwhile, Alsobrooks has managed to carve out a healthy advantage among Black voters over 50, although the race tightens significantly among younger voters in that demographic.
Town Hall: This State's Senate Race Is Tied, New Poll Shows https://t.co/mebjUH0TIO
— Ian’s Newsfeed 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHNewsFeed) August 27, 2024
AARP’s Maryland State Director has touted that voters aged 50 and over are the most enthusiastic and pivotal group in this race. They’re not looking for the latest flashy campaign slogan; instead, they are focused on the bread-and-butter issues that impact their lives—Social Security, Medicare, and ensuring a secure economic future for their families. This single-minded mission could well dictate the course of this election, and it raises questions about how well Alsobrooks is connecting with this demographic.
In the larger political landscape, Maryland remains a tricky battleground when it comes to presidential elections, with Harris currently leading Trump by a jaw-dropping 32 points. Yet, in local races like this one, Hogan is showing that appeal can extend beyond party lines when voters are seeking substance instead of empty promises. The dynamic is set, and as election day approaches, this race could just become the latest example of how the tide is turning in places where Democrats once thought they were untouchable. Whether Alsobrooks can pivot from her party’s talking points to genuinely address the concerns of her constituents is the million-dollar question.
