The race for the Maryland Senate seat is heating up, with the Democratic candidate, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, currently holding a slight lead over her Republican rival, former Governor Larry Hogan. However, a recent poll reveals a significant obstacle for Alsobrooks: low name recognition.
According to a poll conducted by Gonzales Research & Media Services, approximately 34% of registered voters are unfamiliar with Alsobrooks. This includes a significant number of independent voters (33%) and even 17% of those registered with the Democratic Party. This lack of recognition poses a challenge for Alsobrooks, who needs to reach a wider audience in order to solidify her lead.
Despite the name recognition hurdle, Alsobrooks currently holds a five-point advantage over Hogan (46% to 41%), suggesting that her campaign strategy is resonating with voters. The winner of the November election will succeed Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, who is retiring after nearly two decades in the Senate.
Hogan’s late entry into the race in February surprised many, given Maryland’s generally Democratic leanings. His strong approval ratings from his time as governor gave him a boost in the Republican primary, but he faces an uphill battle against Alsobrooks.
Hogan, a vocal critic of former President Trump, has stated he will not vote for the former president in the upcoming election. He has also distanced himself from some of the Republican Party’s more extreme stances. This moderate approach may appeal to some voters, particularly in a state like Maryland, but it remains to be seen if it will be enough to overcome Alsobrooks’ current lead.
The Gonzales Research & Media Services poll was conducted from August 24 to August 30, surveying 820 self-described likely voters via phone interviews. With the election approaching, the race for the Maryland Senate seat is poised to become increasingly competitive, and the issue of name recognition will likely be a key factor in determining the outcome.
