Maryland Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks faces allegations of improperly claiming tax deductions, potentially saving thousands of dollars over more than a decade.
At a Glance
- Alsobrooks allegedly claimed improper tax breaks on properties in Maryland and D.C.
- A CNN review found she benefited from a homestead tax exemption for over a decade
- She also claimed a senior citizens’ tax break on a Washington property previously owned by her grandparents
- The tax credits saved her nearly $14,000 in taxes between 2005 and 2017 on the D.C. property
- Alsobrooks’ campaign states she was unaware of the tax credits and is working to resolve the issue
Improper Tax Breaks Alleged
Angela Alsobrooks, the Prince George’s County Executive and Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maryland, is facing scrutiny over alleged improper tax deductions. A CNN review revealed that Alsobrooks claimed tax breaks on properties in both Maryland and Washington, D.C., for which she may not have been eligible. These allegations come at a critical time as Alsobrooks competes against former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan in the upcoming Senate race on November 5.
The investigation found that Alsobrooks claimed a homestead tax exemption for over a decade, a benefit intended only for primary residences. Additionally, she received a senior citizens’ tax break on a Washington property that previously belonged to her grandparents. These tax credits resulted in significant savings for Alsobrooks, amounting to nearly $14,000 in taxes between 2005 and 2017 on the D.C. property alone.
Campaign Response and Controversy
Connor Lounsbury, Alsobrooks’ senior adviser, has addressed the allegations, stating that Alsobrooks was unaware of the tax credits and is actively working to resolve the issue. The campaign maintains that she did not intentionally seek to benefit from these deductions and is 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.”
However, the controversy has provided ammunition for Alsobrooks’ political opponents. The Hogan campaign has seized on the issue, criticizing Alsobrooks for allegedly not adhering to tax laws and taking advantage of tax credits meant for others.
NEW from @mkraju & @emsteck: Angela Alsobrooks, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maryland, improperly took advantage of tax breaks she did not qualify for, a CNN review found. https://t.co/gCrWqUCdK6 #InsidePolitics pic.twitter.com/7JCRLNbOfI
— Inside Politics (@InsidePolitics) September 22, 2024
Implications for the Senate Race
This tax controversy could have significant implications for Alsobrooks’ Senate campaign. As she aims to become Maryland’s first Black U.S. Senator, succeeding retiring Sen. Ben Cardin, the allegations of improper tax breaks may undermine voter trust and affect her standing in the race. A September poll showed Alsobrooks leading Hogan by 5 points, but this new development could potentially shift those numbers.
“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.”
As the controversy unfolds, voters will be watching closely to see how Alsobrooks addresses these allegations and whether she can maintain her lead in the polls. The outcome of this issue could play a crucial role in determining who will represent Maryland in the U.S. Senate come November.
