By Lionel Donovan

January 3, 2025

She met with members of the Congressional Black Caucus this morning, before heading to the Capitol to be sworn in.

WASHINGTON — Angela Alsobrooks showcased some of Prince George’s County’s flair this morning as the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) welcomed its new and returning members.

The former County Executive sat among the 62 members of the CBC for a ceremonial swearing-in to the 119th Congress, the largest class in the Caucus’s history.

Veteran lawmakers in the CBC say Alsobrooks is a welcome addition to their ranks.

“I’ve known her for years now, she brings a lot to the table,” says Glenn Ivey, representative of Maryland’s 4th District. “Great experiences, a former prosecutor, former county executive, she’s going hit the ground running and be outstanding, and we need all hands on deck right now.”

After the event, Alsobrooks headed to Capitol Hill to officially begin her six-year term as a US Senator.

Alsobrooks stands as Maryland’s first Black senator and the country’s third Black woman ever elected as Senator, a milestone that has not gone unnoticed.

However, Senator Alsobrooks and her Democratic colleagues may have an uphill battle ahead of them. As Republicans hold a majority in the Senate and the House, Democrats are preparing for a GOP-led government and the changes that may be coming.

“I have major concerns about the Trump administration and what it’s talking about doing, especially with respect to federal workers,” Ivey says. “I think trying to replace hardworking, experienced, and talented federal workers with political hacks is not the right way to go.”

During the swearing-in ceremony, Alsobrooks and other CBC members were reminded they come from a legacy of lawmakers.  During the CBC event, NY Attorney General Letitia James reminded Alsobrooks and other Caucus members that they come from a legacy of lawmakers who have risen to the challenge, and they won’t be going into halls of Congress alone.  

“They are collectively and individually the conscious of this nation, and the soul of this nation,” said James. “So I encourage all of you here today to never lose heart, and keep fighting.”