In a significant development for Maryland’s Senate race, Democrat Angela Alsobrooks has emerged with a commanding lead over former Governor Larry Hogan (R), according to the latest Public Policy Polling (PPP) survey conducted after the state’s primary earlier this month.
The poll, released by PPP, a firm aligned with the Democratic Party, indicates that Alsobrooks has secured 45 percent of Marylanders’ support, while Hogan trails at 34 percent.
Another 5 percent of voters expressed support for alternative candidates. In a head-to-head matchup between Alsobrooks and Hogan, the Democrat maintains an 8-point advantage, leading 48 percent to Hogan’s 40 percent.
The Maryland Senate seat became available following Sen. Ben Cardin’s retirement announcement in early May, setting the stage for a closely watched contest.
Hogan’s entry into the race garnered national attention, given his popularity as a former governor and his bid’s potential impact on GOP efforts to flip the seat.
Alsobrooks, currently serving as the Prince George’s County executive, secured the Democratic nomination after a tightly contested primary battle against Rep. David Trone (D-Md.), who had set records with his campaign spending.
The PPP poll also highlighted nuances in voter sentiment: while Hogan holds a higher approval rating at 50 percent compared to Alsobrooks’ 43 percent, the Democrat enjoys a stronger net favorability rating of 27 points, compared to Hogan’s 17-point margin.
Despite receiving an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, Hogan has faced challenges consolidating support within Trump’s base due to his public criticism of the former president. In response, Hogan’s campaign emphasized his political independence through an advertisement following Trump’s endorsement.
Among Republicans surveyed, 26 percent expressed an unfavorable view of Hogan. Nevertheless, Hogan retains significant backing from Republicans eager to secure a Senate majority. His candidacy was reportedly encouraged by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).
While Alsobrooks leads Hogan overall, the former governor demonstrates strength among Maryland independents, capturing 42 percent of their support. He also commands a notable share of Democratic voters, holding 15 percent, a significant figure in a state where unaffiliated voters constitute approximately 21 percent of the electorate.
Earlier polling by The Hill/Emerson ahead of Maryland’s primary had similarly projected Alsobrooks with a 10-point lead over Hogan.
The PPP poll surveyed 635 registered Maryland voters from June 19-20, with a margin of error of 3.9 percentage points for the total sample. The race remains fluid as both candidates ramp up their campaigns heading into the general election.
This poll underscores the competitive dynamics shaping Maryland’s Senate race, with Alsobrooks aiming to maintain her lead while Hogan seeks to rally support across party lines to bolster his bid for the Senate seat.
