Former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan vowed to be an independent voice, in an increasingly polarized Washington. He also pledged to support federal legislation affirming a constitutional right to abortion.

Ms. Alsobrooks – the Prince George’s County Executive – resisted.

She said that Mr. Hogan’s promise is contradicted by his actions in office as governor, and his win will likely give Republicans control of the Senate. She also described a right wing agenda which is out-of-step with Maryland voters regarding abortion and other issues.

Hogan stated, “The voters of Maryland know who I am and they know that they can count on me to stand up to Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell and the Republican Party.” “I probably stood against more people in America.”

This includes the abortion issue.

He pledged that he would co-sponsor a bill codifying the abortion rights that existed before Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2022.

Mr. Hogan called out Ms. Alsobrooks as well for overseeing a “sanctuary” city that limits cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation officers, claiming he had been much more tough on crime.

Former two-term Governor, Mr. Hogan has said that his record proves that he is not MAGA Republican. He also stated that he worked across the party lines in order to achieve results on issues that benefit both parties.

He cited the tax cuts that he had passed as Governor and his efforts to improve transportation and curb gun violence.

Hogan stated that Washington is a place of division and dysfunction, with nothing getting done.

The extreme voices of both sides are tearing our country apart.

He said that the country doesn’t require someone who “rubber-stamps” one party, but rather “mavericks”, who are willing to challenge party leaders in Washington.

Ms. Alsobrooks stated that she supports the Democratic Agenda to reinstate abortion protections in federal law, ban assault weapons, and reduce taxes for the middle-class.

She said, “I support the Democratic agenda.”

She said that she also supports increasing taxes on corporations. She argues they should pay “their fair share” and is open to raising tax on Americans earning more than $400,000.

Ms. Alsobrooks stated that Mr. Hogan as governor “vetoed significant abortion care” legislation, and was opposed to efforts to set waiting periods for firearm purchases.

She said, “The Republican Party is at war with women’s rights to reproductive freedom.” “We acknowledge that this party that is divided and chaotic, led by Donald Trump, is not a leader for our country. It also has serious consequences for Marylanders.”

She said that the former Maryland governor did not stand up for women when he had the chance.

Chuck Todd, NBC’s political analyst and chief, moderated the debate at Maryland Public Television.

Ms. Alsobrooks defended herself on the issue of immigration and rejected the claim that Prince George’s County was a haven for illegal immigrants.

She claimed to have established a policy that requires the county government to notify the federal authorities when immigrants are released from prison who were “accused” of gang violence or gang activity.

Ms. Hogan claimed that she was lying.

Hogan replied, “It’s not true.” “You are the biggest jurisdiction in Maryland who refuses to cooperate with federal law enforcement.”

“When ICE asks for a detainer of a violent rapist or murderer or gang-member, you don’t cooperate,” said Mr. Hogan.

Ms. Alsobrooks stated that the country is obliged to assist Israel in releasing the hostages, push for a cease-fire, and work towards a two state solution.

Mr. Hogan’s approach was direct.

He said he would continue to support Israel, as he always has. He also promised not to “equivocate”, or take sides in the debate.

Both expressed support for U.S. aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Ms. Alsobrooks and Mr. Hogan both said they support Ukraine joining NATO.

Ms. Alsobrooks stated that she supports the expansion of the Supreme Court’s number of justices, as it “nolonger represents the will” of the people.

Mr. Hogan stated that he was against the packing of the high court and said the third branch should not be “politicized.”

Ms. Alsobrooks said that she also supports the abolishment of the filibuster. This would remove the 60 votes needed to pass a bill in the Senate.

Her Republican opponent disagreed and said that the filibuster required lawmakers to work across parties lines and create consensus approaches.

The Democrats have a 51 to 49 advantage in the Senate, which includes independent senators that caucus together with Democrats.

Political handicappers do not consider any of the Republican incumbents to be particularly vulnerable.

The GOP only needs to flip one more seat in order to gain control of the Senate, regardless of the outcome of the presidential election.

Hogan, a top-tier party recruit who may be the best hope for the party in decades, is one of Maryland’s most promising candidates.

A competitive race at the very least would force Democrats, who would prefer to spend their resources defending seats in traditionally more red or purple states such as Montana, Ohio, and Wisconsin, to burn through all of their resources.

The race has been flooded with tens of millions of dollar, most of which was spent by the campaign as well as outside groups to blanket the airwaves with television advertisements.

According to the Institute of Politics at University of Maryland at Baltimore County, Ms. Alsobrooks has a lead of 48% over Mr. Hogan.

It was revealed that 6% of respondents backed another candidate and 5% were undecided.

However, 20% of respondents said that they still have the ability to change their mind.

The survey found that voters supported an amendment to the state constitution enshrining abortion rights.

Ms. Alsobrooks, and Mr. Hogan will be running to replace retiring Senator Benjamin L. Cardin. Cardin is a Democrat who has served three terms.

After winning the GOP primaries in May, Mr. Hogan tried to make the issue of abortion less controversial. He declared himself to be “pro-choice”, and he said that he supported reviving Roe’s constitutional right of abortion.

Hogan, however, has repeatedly distanced himself from Trump, despite his pledge to be the much-needed voice of bipartisanship and consensus building in a Washington that is becoming increasingly polarized.

Hogan, in the debate, expressed his concern over “out-of-control” inflation. He also said that both parties were to blame for the rising national debt.

Ms. Alsobrooks