Angela Alsobrooks, a Democratic Party Senate candidate from Maryland, is facing allegations that she improperly received tax breaks on properties in Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

The tax exemptions wrongfully claimed by Alsobrooks, which were intended for lower-income residents, senior citizens, and primary residents, saved the Senate hopeful thousands of dollars over more than a decade, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Alsobrooks is alleged to have benefited from the improper use of tax credits to the tune of nearly $14,000.

The allegations state that from 2005 to 2017, Alsobrooks claimed a homestead tax exemption on a Washington property, which is reserved for primary residents. Public records reveal that Alsobrooks has been registered to vote in Prince George’s County, Maryland, since 1995, raising concerns about her eligibility for this exemption.

Alsobrooks’ Role and Improper Tax Exemptions

Alsobrooks currently serves as the county executive of Prince George’s County, where she oversees the county's budget and tax collection. Despite her role, she allegedly continued to claim improper tax exemptions over the years. Additionally, she received a tax credit meant for low-income senior citizens on her Washington residence, which is believed to have been originally qualified for by her grandparents.

The current Senate hopeful began paying the mortgage on her grandmother’s Washington home, where the senior citizen tax credit was applied, until the home was sold in 2018. According to her adviser, Alsobrooks was unaware of these credits and has since taken steps to resolve the issue with Washington, D.C.

Maryland Property and More Exemptions

The improper exemptions extended beyond Washington, D.C., to a property Alsobrooks purchased in Maryland in 2005. In 2008, she claimed a homestead tax exemption on this Maryland home, despite eventually renting out the property. The homestead exemption is intended for primary residents and should not have been applied after she moved out. The improper exemption saved her at least $2,600 in taxes.

However, her campaign emphasized that another property Alsobrooks owns in Prince George’s County, which is listed as her primary residence, does not receive any tax exemptions. Her adviser explained that Alsobrooks is working to resolve the tax discrepancies and will repay any credits she improperly received.

Alsobrooks Addresses Tax Issues

Connor Lounsbury, a senior adviser to Alsobrooks, stated that Alsobrooks was unaware of the tax credits linked to the Washington property and is working with officials to repay the necessary amounts. “She was unaware of any tax credits attached to that property and has reached out to the District of Columbia to resolve the issue and make any necessary payment,” Lounsbury said.

Additionally, Lounsbury clarified that Alsobrooks received no financial benefit from the homestead tax credit not being transferred to her current home, stating, “In fact, she ended up paying more in taxes than she would have had the credit transferred over.”

Republican Opponent Larry Hogan Weighs In

Alsobrooks is running for a U.S. Senate seat against former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, who has seized on the tax break controversy as part of his campaign, attacking Alsobrooks for her handling of her own taxes while in office. His spokesperson, Blake Kernen, criticized her, saying, “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.”

Hogan, who is positioning himself as a moderate Republican and "Never Trumper," has used the issue to present himself as a candidate focused on fiscal responsibility. He claims that Alsobrooks’ actions reflect a disregard for the tax laws she was supposed to enforce.

Alsobrooks Leads in Senate Polls

Despite the controversy, Alsobrooks maintains a lead in the Senate race, according to a Gonzales Research and Media Services poll conducted in early September. The poll found that Alsobrooks holds a narrow lead over Hogan, with 46% of respondents supporting Alsobrooks compared to 41% for Hogan.

As the campaign progresses, Alsobrooks will likely continue to face questions about the tax breaks she received and whether they align with her role as a public official overseeing tax policies. While Hogan's campaign is using the controversy to challenge her credibility, Alsobrooks’ team remains focused on resolving the tax discrepancies and maintaining her lead in the race.

Conclusion

The revelation that Angela Alsobrooks, a Democratic Senate candidate from Maryland, improperly received tax breaks on properties in Washington, D.C., and Maryland has sparked controversy in the ongoing Senate race.

The allegations, which span over a decade, include claims that she improperly received thousands of dollars in exemptions meant for primary residents, low-income residents, and senior citizens.

While Alsobrooks’ team asserts that she was unaware of these credits and is working to resolve the issue, her opponent, former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, has used the issue to question her credibility.

Alsobrooks continues to lead in the polls, though the impact of the controversy remains to be seen as the campaign moves forward.