By Doni Glover, Publisher
(BALTIMORE – April 1, 2024) – Although the May 14th Primary Election in Baltimore is just around the corner, this political analyst sees a relatively quiet landscape. While there are indeed some pretty interesting races brewing, including the battle for the two top posts in the city, this has to be one of the quietest elections in recent years.
According to one political pundit, Andy Pierre, “It’s too quiet!”
Pierre, who has managed and advised campaigns locally and nationally, said, “I guess people are looking to see how this pans out.”
He added, “In terms of the mayor’s race, it’s Sheila and Brandon and who is going to do the best job turning out their base. There’s Thiru, who has $400,000 in his coiffeurs. And there’s Bob Wallace. Those guys need new voters. Statewide, this whole Hogan getting in the race thing is a game-changer. Meanwhile, Trone is soaking up all of the air in the room with his money. He certainly has control over the airways. I think this race is a litmus test to show if strategy wins over TV. Some will bet the farm that TV wins. I personally think strategy wins. If the race is Trone vs. Hogan, I see that as being really boring and not getting too much action. If it’s Alsobrooks vs. Hogan, that will be a little more exciting.”
Pierre said that presently, Hogan might poll better than Alsobrooks.
“I want to see the black woman win,” said Pierre. “She’s kind of running a standard incumbent strategy. Trone is, too, but with more money. She does have the support of the incumbents. The question becomes whether or not the incumbents will put boots on the ground for her.”
In the 2nd Congressional race, Pierre sees Johnny Olszewski handily beating Kim Klacik.
Professor Larry Gibson described the current election season in his own unique way. He told BMORENews.com, “There are times when there are many other things in the balance.”
Gibson has been managing Black candidates since 1968. That’s when Iowa native Joseph Howard ran for judge on the Supreme Bench of Baltimore City (now called the Circuit Court of Baltimore City), and became the first African-American to run for and win a seat on that bench. Judge Howard is noteworthy also because he challenged the racial hiring practices of the Supreme Bench and helped racially diversify the offices and employ minorities at the circuit court as well. He served on the Supreme Bench until October 1979, when he was named by President Carter the first African-American to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
Also in that 1968 election, Gibson backed Parren J. Mitchell for Congress. While Mitchell did not win in 1968, he did win in 1970.
When it comes to this year’s US Senate race where Maryland could see its first Black as a US Senator, Gibson is 100% Alsobrooks. After, all, she is a former student of Gibson’s.
“In the Senate race, it is absolutely essential that Democrats keep control of this seat,” he said. “I think Angela is a much stronger candidate to go against Hogan – in the Senate, we have to put forth our best candidate. She’s educated. She’s qualified. Regardless of who becomes president, it is critical to win this seat.”
There are 33 U.S. Senate seats up for regular election in 2024—10 seats held by Republicans, 20 held by Democrats, and three held by independents who caucus with Democrats.
