Maryland Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks faces scrutiny over alleged improper tax breaks, potentially saving thousands of dollars over the years.
At a Glance
- Alsobrooks allegedly claimed improper tax deductions on properties in Maryland and D.C.
- A CNN review found she received a homestead tax exemption for over a decade on a non-primary residence
- She also claimed a senior citizens’ tax break on a Washington property previously owned by her grandparents
- These tax credits reportedly saved her nearly $14,000 between 2005 and 2017 on the D.C. property
- Alsobrooks’ campaign claims she was unaware of the tax credits and is working to resolve the issue
Alsobrooks’ Tax Troubles Emerge
Democratic Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks, currently serving as Prince George’s County Executive, finds herself embroiled in controversy as reports surface of her allegedly taking advantage of tax breaks for which she was not legally eligible. This revelation comes at a critical time in her campaign to become Maryland’s first Black U.S. Senator, potentially jeopardizing her electoral chances and raising questions about her financial ethics.
According to a CNN review, Alsobrooks claimed a homestead tax exemption for over a decade on a property that was not her primary residence. This exemption is specifically intended for homeowners’ primary dwellings. Additionally, she received a senior citizens’ tax break on a Washington D.C. property that previously belonged to her grandparents, despite not qualifying for this benefit herself.
The Financial Impact
The improper tax credits allegedly saved Alsobrooks a substantial amount of money. On the D.C. property alone, she reportedly benefited from nearly $14,000 in tax savings between 2005 and 2017. Furthermore, a homestead exemption on a Prince George’s County townhouse she owned since 2005 but later rented out reportedly saved her an additional $2,600 since 2020.
“Many Marylanders know how difficult and complex it is when a family member needs to leave their home,” Connor Lounsbury, senior adviser to Alsobrooks 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.”
While Alsobrooks’ campaign attempts to frame these issues as unintentional oversights, the substantial financial benefits raise questions about the candidate’s attention to detail and commitment to following tax laws – laws she would be responsible for shaping as a U.S. Senator.
Campaign Response and Political Fallout
Connor Lounsbury, Alsobrooks’ senior adviser, claims the candidate was unaware of the tax credits and is working to resolve the issue, including making any necessary payments. However, this explanation has not silenced critics, particularly from the Republican side.
The campaign of her Republican opponent, former Governor Larry Hogan, has seized on this controversy, portraying Alsobrooks as someone who believes she’s above the law and criticizing her for benefiting from tax credits meant for the poor and elderly. This narrative could potentially resonate with voters concerned about government accountability and fiscal responsibility.
Implications for the Senate Race
As Alsobrooks and Hogan prepare to face off in Maryland’s Senate race on November 5, this controversy adds a new dimension to an already closely watched contest. With a September poll showing Alsobrooks leading Hogan by a narrow 5-point margin, these allegations of improper tax breaks could significantly impact voter perception and potentially tip the scales in what promises to be a competitive race.
For conservative voters in Maryland, this situation presents an opportunity to scrutinize Alsobrooks’ record and judgment carefully. As the race unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Alsobrooks can effectively address these allegations and maintain her lead, or if Hogan will be able to capitalize on this controversy to gain an edge in the pursuit of retiring Senator Ben Cardin’s seat.
