Angela Alsobrooks resigns as Prince George’s County Executive following Senate win
Race for Prince George's County executive opens up as Alsobrooks announces resignation
Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks is stepping down from her role as she prepares to become Maryland's newest senator. Now, that means the race to replace her is officially on. FOX 5’s Homa Bash has the latest details on who is putting their name in to take the seat.
LARGO, Md. - Angela Alsobrooks has resigned as Prince George’s County Executive. Her resignation came on Monday at 10 a.m.
Last month, Alsobrooks won the race for the Maryland Senate seat over former Gov. Larry Hogan.
According to Prince George’s County code, Chief Administrative Officer Tara Jackson will assume the role of Acting County Executive. The Prince George’s County Executive seat will then go to a special election. This means anyone who wants to run can enter the race in order to fill the vacancy permanently.
Earlier this year, Aisha Braveboy, State's Attorney for Prince George's County, said she would consider joining the race.
"If a vacancy as County Executive for Prince George’s County becomes available, I will seek to fill the seat," Braveboy said in a statement earlier this year. "I love this county - I grew up here, and I understand the needs of Prince Georgians - because I am one."
READ MORE: Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks is headed to Senate. So what happens to her seat?
Braveboy has served as the County’s State’s Attorney since 2019. In 2006, she was elected to represent Maryland’s 25th District in the General Assembly and, since then, has served various roles within the county government.
Prince George’s County councilmember Calvin Hawkins said earlier this year that he would also consider entering the race. Hawkins is the At-Large member and was reelected to his council seat in November 2022.
Hawkins is a Prince George's County native. He also previously served as council chair, along with acting as an advisor to past county executives. With deep roots in the community, he brings 30 years of experience in county government.
"I will take those 30 years of experience throughout the 499 square miles, every situation you can imagine, and use all of that to build a Prince George's County we all will be proud of," Hawkins said.
County Chair Jolene Ivey was considered another possible candidate for the seat after Alsobrooks won her Senate campaign. She served in the Maryland House of Delegates for years and has been on the county council for the last six years, most recently acting as Council Chair. Ivey was raised in Prince George's County and has raised her five sons there as well, saying the county is at a crossroads.
"One of the biggest issues affecting our county right now is housing costs and when it comes to our seniors, they are the ones who are most effected and they are the ones who bring the least amount of impact to our budget. I’ve been effective already whether in the House of Delegates, County Council, member of our community and as a mom. I think I am well suited for this," Ivey told FOX 5 earlier this year.
She released a statement Monday following Alsobrooks' resignation announcement, confirming that she is running.
"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.
READ MORE: Angela Alsobrooks defeats Larry Hogan to win Maryland US Senate race: AP calls
Former Maryland state delegate Rushern Baker is also expected to put his name in the hat. It's believed he may announce his campaign this Thursday or Friday.
Baker, who served from 2010 to 2018 and made historic progress, tells FOX 5 he is deeply humbled by the encouragement from residents to return to leadership. He said he'll consult with community members and his family before making a decision in the coming days.
A spokesperson for Baker provided a statement to FOX 5 Monday, saying in part, "Following Angela Alsobrooks' resignation, Mr. Baker is deeply humbled by the encouragement from residents urging him to return to leadership. Rushern’s tenure as County Executive brought historic progress to Prince George’s County. With the challenges ahead, he is strongly considering a run in the special election to bring experienced, steady leadership back to our community."
Alsobooks’ new term, along with the rest of Congress, will begin on Jan. 3, 2025.
There isn't a set date for the special election just yet — a primary could happen anytime between January and March, with the general election no later than May 6. It's a quick timeline and there is word that county council may try to change the charter to allow for a longer period before the election.