By Adam Longo
January 1, 2026
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (7News) — As Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) approaches the end of her first year representing Maryland in the U.S. Senate, she says the job has been both deeply challenging and profoundly rewarding — shaped by national tragedy, rising affordability concerns, and unexpected moments of bipartisanship.
In a wide-ranging interview with 7News anchor Adam Longo, Alsobrooks reflected on her legislative priorities, the economic anxiety she hears from constituents, and how the reality of serving in Washington has matched — and in some ways exceeded — her expectations.
Public safety has been a recurring focus this year, including aviation safety at Reagan National Airport following a deadly midair collision earlier this year. Alsobrooks said she still frequently flies out of DCA and believes Congress has a responsibility to act.
“I do fly out of DCA quite often,” Alsobrooks said. “I certainly still continue to feel the grief that these families felt. There’s no way to underestimate how important it is to make sure that we are making decisions that keep people safe.”
he said the loss of life demands scrutiny and action.
“The people who lost loved ones — who are we to say that we certainly shouldn’t be reviewing what is happening there?” she said. “We don’t have a single life to spare.”
As Congress looks ahead to 2026, Alsobrooks said one of her biggest concerns is the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies — something she warns could have sweeping consequences for Maryland families.
SEE ALSO | Experts: Ending Affordable Care Act subsidies affects everyone’s healthcare
“What we’re looking at in not extending the ACA tax credits — we’ll have about four million people in 2026 who automatically basically will not be able to afford their insurance,” she said. “Up to another 20 million or so will face payments so expensive they’ll have to make decisions about health care.”
She framed the issue as part of a broader affordability crisis.
“It’s not just their health care,” Alsobrooks said. “People cannot afford their utilities. Over the holidays, people noticed the cost of goods has gone up as a result of tariffs.”
She pushed back strongly against claims that affordability concerns are exaggerated.
“When you say it’s a hoax, say that to the people who cannot afford their utilities or who can’t afford their health care,” she said. “The cost of living in our country has become unaffordable.”
Alsobrooks said those concerns have defined her first year in office.
“I’ve heard so clearly from my constituents — especially the younger ones — that they believe they won’t be able to live as well as their parents,” she said. “They can’t afford housing. They can’t afford utilities. Groceries have been expensive. This has been a really challenging year.”
With government funding set to expire again at the end of January, Alsobrooks puts the onus on Republicans, pointing out they control the White House and both chambers of Congress.
“We’re not interested in shutting down the government,” she said. “We’re interested in making health care accessible and affordable for the average family.”
She also spoke personally about the stakes.
“I’m 70. My parents are aging. Both have very serious illnesses,” she said. “This is not a joke when we talk about affording health care. It’s real at the tables of so many families.”
When asked to reflect on her first year in the Senate overall, Alsobrooks said she’s found the experience more fulfilling — and more collaborative — than she expected.
“I have just really enjoyed so thoroughly the opportunity to represent my state,” she said. “I’ve felt I’ve been in the right place at the right time.”
Former Prince George’s County, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks
Despite partisan tensions on Capitol Hill, Alsobrooks said she’s been able to work across the aisle, citing bipartisan legislation with Republican senators.
“I’ve worked with Tim Scott of South Carolina to get tax relief for small business owners,” she said. “I’ve worked on a uterine fibroid bill with Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming — that impacts about 80% of American women.”
She also highlighted her work on transportation funding, digital asset regulation, and public health oversight.
“I’ve had to fight back against the dismantling of the public health system,” she said, “but I’ve also had to stick to my goal, which is delivering for Marylanders.”
One of the biggest surprises, she said, has been the atmosphere behind the scenes.
“It did surprise me,” Alsobrooks said. “The environment here was very collegial. Even with people I disagree with, I’ve found ways to work together to deliver something for my constituents.”
Looking ahead, Alsobrooks said she’s focused on the long term.
“This is a long game,” she said. “I’ve got six years. And I’m going to be here working for Marylanders — with whomever I need to — to get things done.”