Murphy backs Alsobrooks in Maryland Democratic Senate primary

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) endorsed Angela Alsobrooks in Maryland’s Democratic Senate primary Thursday, becoming the latest Democratic lawmaker to get involved in the party’s primary for the seat.

“I’m proud to endorse Angela Alsobrooks for U.S. Senate. Throughout her career, Angela has fought to tackle the gun violence epidemic, create good-paying jobs in her community, and make sure all students have access to a quality education. She’s a proven leader for Maryland, and we need her in the Senate,” Murphy said in a statement first released to The Hill.

Alsobrooks, who is the county executive of Prince George’s County, Md., is facing off against Rep. David Trone (D-Md.) for the seat held by outgoing Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.).

The May 14 primary has split Democrats on Capitol Hill. The race for Cardin’s seat was once seen as a surer bet for Democrats. However, former Gov. Larry Hogan’s (R) entrance into the race as upped the ante.

“What’s clear is that the Senate majority runs through Maryland. Angela continues to gain momentum in this race and earn the endorsements of her future colleagues because they know, not just what’s at stake in this race, but that Angela is the strongest candidate to take on and defeat Larry Hogan in the general,” said Gina Ford, Alsobrooks’s communications director.

In addition to Murphy’s backing, Alsobrooks has received endorsements from Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Patty Murphy (D-Wash.), as well Maryland Reps. Steny Hoyer (D) and Jamie Raskin, among others.

Trone has also gotten his fair share of endorsements from lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), as well as Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown (D).

Most recent polls show Trone leading Alsobrooks. According to a Goucher College survey released earlier this month, Trone is ahead of Alsobrooks by 7 points.

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