With the retiring Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) steadfastly by her side, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks dropped by the Pikesville Armory on Monday afternoon, June 17, to tour the historic facility and meet with members of the local Jewish community.
Alsobrooks is the Democratic nominee for Cardin’s longtime seat. On Nov. 5, she will run against her Republican rival, former Gov. Larry Hogan, in a race that could determine control of the U.S. Senate.
(Photo by Robyn Stevens Brody)
Among those in attendance in Pikesville were state Sen. Shelly L. Hettleman (D-11th) and Baltimore County Councilman Izzy Patoka (D-2nd); Andrew Cushnir, the new president and CEO of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore; Rabbi Alex Salzberg, executive director of the Towson University Hillel; and Lisa K. Budlow, chief executive officer of Comprehensive Housing Assistance Inc.
Alsobrooks’ Pikesville appearance came on the same day that her campaign drew headlines when spraypainted racist graffiti was discovered on one of her lawn signs in Laurel.
While meeting with local Jewish leaders, Alsobrooks, 53, who grew up in the Prince George’s County suburb of Suitland, spoke of the pain of hate and discrimination, as well as the legacy of Black-Jewish relations.
“Growing up in the 1970s, it was hard not to have conversations about the Jewish community and the African-American community being special friends,” she said.
When questioned about her views on Israel’s war against Hamas, Alsobrooks — who has voiced support for an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution — said, “I did not come to [the] Oct. 7 [terrorist attacks in Israel] without any information. … [But] it would be disingenuous to pretend I understand everything. … One of the things I’m proudest about is my ability to listen. And I think that’s one important quality of leadership.”
Cardin, 80, who has served in the Senate since 2006, praised Alsobrooks as an ally to the Jewish community.
“She’s reached out to understand the issues that are important to the Jewish community,” he said. “She is well-qualified to be our United States senator. And remember, this is the first time that Maryland’s been on the political map in terms of control of the United States Senate. That’s important to this community.”
(Photo by Robyn Stevens Brody)
(Photo by Robyn Stevens Brody)
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