Angela Alsobrooks has made history, winning the Maryland Senate race to become the first Black woman to represent the state in the U.S. Senate. Alsobrooks, a Democrat, currently serves as the County Executive of Prince George’s County, Maryland, and has been known for her commitment to public service, focusing on criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and economic opportunity. Her victory is a landmark for Maryland, as she will be the state’s first Black senator.

The Black population in Maryland is approximately 29%, one of the highest percentages in the U.S. Among Maryland’s diverse regions, many Black families in cities such as Waldorf and Highland Beach have household incomes that exceed national averages for Black families. For example, Black residents in Waldorf have a median household income of around $81,592, while those in Highland Beach reach a high of about $158,750. Maryland has numerous majority-Black cities with thriving Black middle-class communities, representing valuable assets for local economic growth and opportunity.

This relatively high income level in Maryland’s Black communities contrasts with the economic disparities seen nationwide, where wealth gaps persist. While Maryland offers substantial opportunities for Black economic mobility, especially in affluent suburbs, challenges remain in ensuring equitable investment across all Black communities within the state. Addressing these issues, many initiatives are focused on enhancing economic inclusion and prosperity in these communities.

Alsobrooks was a favored candidate for the Democratic nomination after earning endorsements from Maryland Governor Wes Moore and other prominent state Democrats. Her platform emphasized supporting reproductive rights, addressing health disparities, and tackling economic inequality, resonating with a diverse base of voters. She defeated a self-funded campaign by rival David Trone, whose significant fundraising made it a competitive race .