Rep. David Trone, D-Md., arrives to the U.S. Capitol before the House voted to keep the government funded into March, on Thursday, January 18, 2024. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
When reached for comment, Trone admitted to Fox News Digital he used the term, but that he misspoke while meaning to use a different word.
"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," Trone said.
"I recognize that as a White man, I have privilege. And as an elected official, I have a responsibility for the words I use — especially in the heat of the moment. Regardless of what I meant to say, I shouldn’t have used that language," he added.
HILLARY CLINTON WADES INTO CRUCIAL BATTLEGROUND SENATE RACE THAT COULD DETERMINE BALANCE OF POWER
Earlier this week, Trone faced heat for other comments he made at a candidate forum earlier this month in which he declared his support for granting citizenship and voting rights to the millions of illegal immigrants residing in the U.S.
He holds a fundraising and polling advantage among a crowded Democrat primary field. His closest challenger is Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, who is Black.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Alsobrooks for comment.
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He will likely face Maryland's former Republican governor, Larry Hogan, in the general election. Early polls suggested a tight race between the two, however, a Washington Post/University of Maryland poll released Wednesday showed Hoigan with a double-digit lead.
Elections analysts rate the race as "likely" Democrat, but Hogan's name recognition and high approval rating at the conclusion of his second term last year could further pose a challenge to Democrats' hopes of maintaining control of the Senate.
Brandon Gillespie is an associate editor at Fox News. Follow him on X at @BGillespieAL.
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