Maryland Senate Shake-Up: Hogan Surges as Alsobrooks Faces Tax Scrutiny

Maryland’s Senate race takes an unexpected turn as Democrat Angela Alsobrooks faces scrutiny over improper tax breaks, while Republican Larry Hogan gains ground.

At a Glance

Alsobrooks improperly claimed nearly $14,000 in tax breaks on multiple properties
A pro-Hogan super PAC launched a $19 million ad campaign highlighting the tax controversy
Alsobrooks pledges to repay any taxes owed and claims she was unaware of the credits
Recent polls show Alsobrooks with a small lead, but the race is tightening
The outcome could have significant implications for the U.S. Senate’s balance of power

Tax Controversy Rocks Alsobrooks Campaign

Angela Alsobrooks, the Democratic frontrunner in Maryland’s Senate race, has found herself embroiled in a tax controversy that threatens to upend her campaign. A CNN investigation revealed that Alsobrooks improperly claimed tax breaks on multiple properties, resulting in nearly $14,000 in tax savings. The improper claims include a Homestead tax credit on a rented Prince George’s County property and a senior citizen tax break on a Washington, D.C. home she inherited from her grandmother.

The revelation has provided ample ammunition for her Republican opponent, Larry Hogan, and his supporters. A pro-Hogan super PAC, Maryland’s Future, has launched a $19 million ad campaign highlighting the tax controversy. The ads accuse Alsobrooks of dodging at least $16,000 in property taxes and taking benefits meant for low-income seniors.

Maryland Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Angela Alsobrooks is under fire following a CNN report claiming she took advantage of tax breaks she didn’t qualify for, which has now led her GOP opponent, fmr. Governor Larry Hogan to weigh in exclusively. https://t.co/q32mMiU2KA

— 47 ABC WMDT (@47abc) September 24, 2024

Alsobrooks Responds to Allegations

In response to the allegations, Alsobrooks has pledged to repay any taxes that should have been collected. Her campaign maintains that she was unaware of the credits and is working to resolve the issue with the relevant authorities.

“The reality is, I would never take a tax credit I wasn’t entitled to,” Alsobrooks told reporters Monday night.

Alsobrooks’ campaign has also gone on the offensive, accusing Republican billionaires of spending $18 million on misleading ads to support Hogan. They’ve highlighted her support for easing tax burdens on residents, including signing a property tax credit for elderly residents in 2022.

Hogan Capitalizes on Controversy

Larry Hogan, the Republican nominee and former Maryland governor, has seized upon this opportunity to challenge what was once considered a safe Democratic seat. Hogan called the CNN report “concerning” and stated that Alsobrooks needs to answer for not paying her taxes.

“It’s deeply disturbing that Angela Alsobrooks thinks the rules don’t apply to her,” Blake Kernen, a Hogan spokesperson, said in a statement Monday. “She campaigns on raising taxes while failing to pay her own and taking advantage of tax credits reserved for the poor and elderly. She claims to be unaware of tax laws it was her job to enforce.”

Hogan’s entry into the race has forced Democrats to spend more in what was once considered an easy election. With less than 50 days until the November election, both campaigns are ramping up efforts to win over Maryland voters.

Larry Hogan is looking to peel off Democratic-leaning Jewish voters in his race for the U.S. Senate seat in Maryland. Angela Alsobrooks, on the other hand, faces the challenge of holding together an ideologically diverse Democratic coalition.https://t.co/6eJ38y6HzG

— The Daily Record (@MDDailyRecord) September 23, 2024

Race Remains Competitive

Despite the controversy, the race remains competitive. Recent polls show Alsobrooks with a small lead in the heavily Democratic state. However, the Cook Political Report still rates the open Maryland Senate seat as “likely Democrat.” Political analysts emphasize the importance of candidates being honest and rectifying mistakes quickly, and Alsobrooks’ advisers believe her swift response to correct the issues should minimize political damage.

As the campaign enters its final stretch, both candidates are intensifying their efforts to secure victory. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, making it a crucial battleground in the upcoming election.