Maryland Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks faces scrutiny over improper tax breaks, potentially impacting her campaign against Republican Larry Hogan.
At a Glance
- Alsobrooks allegedly claimed unauthorized tax breaks on properties in Maryland and Washington D.C.
- CNN investigation found she received a homestead tax exemption for over a decade, intended only for primary residences
- The improper tax credits reportedly saved Alsobrooks nearly $14,000 between 2005 and 2017 on a D.C. property alone
- Alsobrooks’ campaign claims she was unaware of the tax credits and is working to resolve the issue
Unauthorized Tax Breaks Uncovered
Angela Alsobrooks, the Democratic contender for Maryland’s Senate seat, is facing intense scrutiny following reports of improper tax breaks on multiple properties. A CNN investigation revealed that Alsobrooks claimed a homestead tax exemption for over a decade, a benefit intended solely for primary residences. Additionally, she benefited from a senior citizens’ tax break on a Washington D.C. property previously owned by her grandparents.
The unauthorized tax credits reportedly saved Alsobrooks nearly $14,000 between 2005 and 2017 on the D.C. property alone. This revelation has sparked debate about financial compliance and ethical standards expected of political candidates, particularly as Alsobrooks aims to become Maryland’s first Black U.S. Senator.
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 Ongoing Investigation
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 is reportedly cooperating with relevant authorities to make any necessary payments.
“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.”
Further investigation revealed that Alsobrooks continued to claim a homestead exemption on a Prince George’s County townhouse even after renting it out, potentially saving an additional $2,600 since 2020. The campaign maintains that Alsobrooks did not financially benefit from the homestead tax credit not being transferred to her new property and is working to repay any credits received on the old property.
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
Impact on Senate Race
This controversy emerges as Alsobrooks prepares to face Republican former Gov. Larry Hogan in the general election for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Ben Cardin. The race, scheduled for November 5, is already shaping up to be highly competitive.
“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.” Hogan’s campaign said in a statement.
A September poll showed Alsobrooks leading Hogan by 5 points (46% to 41%) in the Senate race. However, this recent revelation may impact voter perception and potentially shift the dynamics of the campaign. As the race heats up, both candidates are likely to face increased scrutiny on their financial and ethical records.
Sources:
- Alsobrooks improperly claimed tax deductions on properties, CNN review says
- Maryland Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks improperly claimed property tax credits: report
- Angela Alsobrooks improperly claimed tax deductions on DC, Maryland properties, records show
- CNN claims Angela Alsobrooks improperly claimed tax deductions on multiple properties
- Alsobrooks took improper tax breaks on DC and Maryland properties: Report
- Angela Alsobrooks, Democratic nominee for US Senate from MD, improperly claimed tax deductions: CNN
