Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) sparred in their lone debate this cycle Thursday night as they look to replace retiring Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) next year.
Alsobrooks has emerged as the favorite, with polls showing her squarely in the drivers seat. According to an aggregate of Maryland polls compiled by Decision Desk HQ and The Hill, Alsobrooks holds a nearly double-digit lead over the popular ex-governor.
Hogan, a critic of former President Trump, is attempting to pull a major upset after his two terms at Government House in Annapolis and has created a rare general election fight in deep blue Maryland. But he faces an uphill battle in a state where President Biden saw his third-highest margin of victory in 2020.
Here are five takeaways from the Maryland Senate debate.
Abortion takes center stage
