Ben Jealous secured the Democratic nomination for the governor of Maryland Tuesday, surviving a crowded field to take on incumbent Republican Gov. Larry Hogan.
Jealous, former president of the NAACP, lagged in polls until the final weeks and emerged victorious Tuesday night. Jealous touted his work for the progressive activists as well as black and brown communities throughout the race, securing endorsements from influential Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., Kamala Harris, D-Calif., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
Jealous’ win is a victory for the liberal base, who considered him a candidate that could better rile up progressives and activists compared to the more centrist Rushern Baker, a Prince George’s County official.
The general election won’t be easy, either, as Hogan’s approval ratings remain high despite Maryland’s Democratic tilt.
