Senate Candidate Accused of Controversial Tax Practices in Maryland

Maryland Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks faces allegations of improperly claiming tax benefits, potentially saving thousands of dollars over more than a decade.

At a Glance

Alsobrooks allegedly claimed homestead tax exemptions on properties in Maryland and D.C. that she didn’t qualify for.
The improper tax breaks saved her nearly $14,000 in taxes between 2005 and 2017 on a D.C. property.
Alsobrooks’ campaign claims she was unaware of the tax credits and is working to resolve the issue.
The controversy emerges as Alsobrooks competes against former Gov. Larry Hogan in the Senate race.

Improper Tax Breaks Uncovered

A recent CNN review has revealed that Angela Alsobrooks, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maryland, allegedly claimed tax breaks she wasn’t entitled to on properties in both Maryland and Washington, D.C. The investigation found that Alsobrooks benefited from a homestead tax exemption for over a decade, despite the fact that this exemption is intended only for primary residences.

In addition to the homestead exemption, Alsobrooks also claimed a senior citizens’ tax break on a Washington property that previously belonged to her grandparents. These improper tax credits resulted in substantial savings for the Senate candidate, amounting to nearly $14,000 in taxes between 2005 and 2017 on the D.C. property alone.

Prince George's County executive Anglea Alsobrooks, who is running for a Maryland Senate seat, reportedly took advantage of tax breaks that she did not qualify for, according to a CNN investigation. https://t.co/SxjFwTqjYX

— FOX 5 DC (@fox5dc) September 23, 2024

Campaign Response and Explanation

Connor Lounsbury, Alsobrooks’ senior adviser, has addressed the allegations, stating that the candidate was unaware of the tax credits and is actively working to resolve the issue. The campaign has committed to making any necessary payments to rectify the situation.

“Many Marylanders know how difficult and complex it is when a family member needs to leave their home,” Lounsbury said. “When this situation happened to Angela’s grandmother, Angela stepped up and took it over for her family and paid the mortgage until the property was sold in 2018.”

Lounsbury further explained that when Alsobrooks purchased a new property, the homestead tax credit from her previous home was not transferred, resulting in no financial gain for her. In fact, according to the campaign, she ended up paying more in taxes than she would have had the credit been properly transferred.

Political Implications

The revelations come at a crucial time as Alsobrooks competes against former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan in the Senate race scheduled for November 5. Alsobrooks, who won the Democratic primary in May, is vying to become Maryland’s first Black U.S. Senator, succeeding retiring Sen. Ben Cardin.

The controversy has provided ammunition for Hogan’s campaign, which criticized Alsobrooks for allegedly not adhering to tax laws and taking advantage of tax credits meant for others:

“It’s deeply disturbing that Angela Alsobrooks thinks the rules don’t apply to her. She campaigns on raising taxes while failing to pay her own and taking advantage of tax credits reserved for the poor and elderly. She claims to be unaware of tax laws it was her job to enforce. Governor Hogan has always stood up for taxpayers and in the Senate he will continue to fight for fairness and fiscal responsibility.”

Looking Ahead

As the Senate race heats up, both candidates are positioning themselves strategically. Hogan is presenting himself as an anti-Trump Republican, while Democrats are attempting to portray him as a “Never Trumper.” Meanwhile, Alsobrooks has accused Hogan of being a “MAGA”-enabler.

A September poll showed Alsobrooks leading Hogan by 5 points, 46% to 41%. However, the recent tax controversy could potentially shift these numbers. As the campaign progresses, voters will be closely watching how both candidates address this issue and other key concerns facing Maryland.