Lee, Meeks, other top black House Democrats back rival to Trone's Senate bid after racial slur

Last week, Rep. Trone used the slur "jigaboo" during a hearing, but later apologized and said he misspoke and meant to say "bugaboo."

By Charlotte Hazard

Published: March 25, 2024 7:55am

Updated: March 25, 2024 8:14am

Five black House Democrats are endorsing a primary rival to Maryland Democrat Rep. Rep. David Trone's campaign for a open Senate seat, after he publicly uttered a racial slur.

Reps. Joyce Beatty, Ohio; Jasmine Crockett, Texas; Barbara Lee, California; and New York's Yvette Clarke and Gregory Meeks have endorsed Angela Alsobrooks, the county executive of Maryland's Prince George's County, according to Axios.

"Her vision and integrity make her the best choice to represent Maryland in the Senate," Clarke said about Alsobrooks.

Last week, Trone used the word "jigaboo" during a congressional hearing. He later apologized, saying he misspoke and meant to say "bugaboo."

"Today while attempting to use the word ‘bugaboo’ in a hearing, I used a phrase that is offensive. That word has a long, dark terrible history. It should never be used any time, anywhere, in any conversation," he told Fox News.

The winner of the primary for the seat of retiring Democrat Sen. Ben Cardin will likely face former Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan in the general election.