Will Another Black Woman Join the Senate? This Messy Primary Is Set to Decide.

A crowded and increasingly contentious Democratic primary in Maryland will determine whether another Black woman joins the U.S. Senate. The race has drawn national attention as candidates vie for the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Ben Cardin.

The primary field includes several prominent figures, among them Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and Representative David Trone. Alsobrooks, who is Black, has positioned herself as a progressive leader with a focus on education and economic equity. Trone, a white businessman and congressman, has poured millions of his own money into the campaign.

The contest has grown messy in recent weeks, with sharp exchanges over endorsements, policy differences, and campaign tactics. Alsobrooks has emphasized her record of local governance and her ability to bring diverse coalitions together, while Trone has highlighted his legislative experience and financial resources.

If elected, Alsobrooks would become the second Black woman to serve in the Senate alongside Senator Laphonza Butler of California, who was appointed in 2023. The outcome of the primary, which is expected to be close, will likely determine the general election favorite in a state that leans heavily Democratic.

The primary is scheduled for May 14, and early voting has already begun. Voter turnout, particularly among Black communities in the Washington, D.C., suburbs, is expected to be a decisive factor.