During a recent House Budget Committee hearing, Rep. David Trone, a Democrat from Maryland and a frontrunner in an upcoming Senate race, made headlines for using a racial slur. Trone referred to a 'Republican jigaboo' while discussing tax policy with Shalanda Young, the director of the Office of Budget and Management.
Trone later clarified that he had misspoken and intended to use the word 'bugaboo' instead. In a statement, he acknowledged the offensiveness of the term he used and emphasized the importance of responsible language use, especially as an elected official.
This incident comes on the heels of Trone facing criticism for his remarks supporting granting citizenship and voting rights to illegal immigrants. Despite holding a fundraising and polling advantage in the Democrat primary field, Trone faces competition from Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, who is Black.
In the general election, Trone is expected to go up against Maryland's former Republican governor, Larry Hogan. Early polls indicated a close race between the two candidates, but a recent poll showed Hogan with a significant lead.
While election analysts consider the Senate race in Maryland as 'likely' Democrat, Hogan's name recognition and high approval rating from his previous term as governor could present a challenge to Democrats' efforts to retain control of the Senate.
