U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks returned to familiar territory this week, standing outside the very building where she once served as Prince George’s County Executive to participate in a groundbreaking ceremony. Now a few months into her new role in the U.S. Senate, Alsobrooks is reflecting on both the surprises and lessons that have come with the job.
After six years leading the county and eight years as the state’s attorney, Alsobrooks campaigned as a seasoned public servant ready for Capitol Hill. But the early days of her Senate term have brought unexpected challenges.
“I can tell you one of the really pleasing things about being in the Senate is it’s very collegial,” Alsobrooks said. “I have found that it is possible to make friendships on both sides of the aisle — that there are many things we share in common.”
Representing a deep-blue state like Maryland, Alsobrooks now finds herself in a sharply different political environment — one where Republicans control the Senate. Despite the partisan divide, she remains outspoken about the issues she believes affect her constituents most, particularly under the current administration.
“I am really concerned about the impact on Marylanders from the chaos we’ve seen from this administration,” Alsobrooks said. “I have been concerned and angry, to be honest with you.”
The shift from a predominantly Democratic county to a politically divided Senate has been a personal and professional adjustment. Still, Alsobrooks credits her teenage daughter for helping her maintain perspective.
“She said you’re lucky to go to a place where people don’t always agree with you, but you get to hear why,” Alsobrooks shared. “It’s been an interesting experience for me.”
Alsobrooks, who holds several committee assignments, has already used her platform to scrutinize nominees from the Trump administration and engage her Republican colleagues in dialogue. While she admits bipartisan breakthroughs have been limited, she remains committed to seeking common ground.
“My father told me how you see something depends on where you sit,” she said. “Some of us have come from other parts of the country, and we see it a little different.”
Back on home soil, Senator Alsobrooks appeared confident in her dual mission: staying grounded in her Maryland roots while navigating the complexities of national politics with determination and an open mind.
