Following her victory in Maryland's Senate race, Democrat Angela Alsobrooks has resigned from her old position as Prince George's County Executive.
“Thank you for your trust and partnership as we worked to build a stronger, united Prince George’s,” Alsobrooks said in a statement. “Serving the residents of this County has been the honor of my lifetime, and I am deeply proud of all we have accomplished together.”
A special election will be set to fil the vacancy in Prince George's County, which borders Washington D.C. The majority-black county is the second most populous in Maryland.
Alsobrooks defeated the state's former Republican governor Larry Hogan, in a closely watched Senate contest.
She will be the first black senator from Maryland, a state with a higher-than-average black population.
Hogan, a Never Trump Republican who was elected twice as governor, fell short in the Senate battle despite his overtures to liberals in the reliably Democratic state.
Alsobrooks' victory also came despite scandal. She was caught claiming tax credits she wasn't eligible for on a property her grandparents previously owned.
In the wake of her resignation, Alsobrooks is being showered with praise by current governor Wes Moore (D) and candidates for her county seat, which will be temporarily filled by Chief Administrative Officer Tara H. Jackson.
Already, three candidates have expressed interest: At-large County Councilmember Calvin Hawkins (D), County Council Chair Jolene Ivey (D), and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy. All are Democrats.
"Prince George's County is at a crossroads. The next County Executive must tackle the housing affordability crisis, improve our schools, support our businesses, and work with the community and police to reduce crime," Ivey said in a statement.
In a statement, Governor Moore said, “Angela worked tirelessly to make Prince George’s County a safer, stronger place to call home – we’re deeply grateful for her effort and for the results she achieved."
“We look forward to continuing our work together to uplift Maryland families, protect fundamental freedoms, and build a brighter future for our state in her new role as U.S. Senator, as we welcome the opportunity to continue to serve the people of Prince George’s County alongside acting County Executive Tara Jackson."
County officials must formalize a date for the special election, which will probably fall in the winter.
The winner will serve the remaining two years of Alsobrooks' term.
