The Hotel in College Park, near the University of Maryland, celebrated Angela Alsobrooks’ historic win for U.S. Senate, as she defeated Larry Hogan, making history as the first Black woman to represent Maryland. The crowd was initially jubilant but became worried about the fate of Vice President Kamala Harris, who was not faring well in early election returns at Howard University. Despite the optimism at the party, the reality of a potential Republican-controlled Senate sank in as the evening progressed.
Maryland Democrats left Alsobrooks’ celebration early to support Harris at Howard University, where Harris, an alumna, was waiting for election results. The election of Alsobrooks and Lisa Blunt Rochester, marking the first time two Black women will serve in the Senate together, was a moment of great significance. Despite the sense of hope and celebration, there was also unease as Harris appeared to be trailing in the election.
As the evening wore on, the mood shifted from celebration to apprehension as the fate of Harris remained uncertain. Despite the historic nature of the evening, concerns about a potential Republican-controlled Senate and the economic consequences it could have for Maryland loomed large. The party atmosphere at the hotel turned into a mix of celebration and anxiety as party-goers awaited the final election results.
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Photo credit marylandmatters.org