Maryland takes the national stage at the Democratic National Convention

CHICAGO — It’s night three of the Democratic National Convention, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz took to the stage for the first time Wednesday night as the Democratic Vice-Presidential Nominee.

Immigration and reproductive rights also took center stage as the Democrats push their theme "A Fight for Our Freedoms."

And, the past two nights at the DNC, Maryland has been represented on the national stage. Wednesday night it was Governor Wes Moore speaking to the convention, and on Tuesday night it was Maryland’s Democratic nominee for Senate, Angela Alsobrooks.

WUSA9’s Simone De Alba spoke with Alsobrooks about what it meant to be able to speak to voters from a national platform.

Simone: “We know you have a tight Senate race coming up in the fall against former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, how important was it for you to connect with not only Democratic voters, but undecided ones who may have been watching the DNC?”

Alsobrooks: “This is going to be a tight race for all of us at a time where we recognize the two visions our parties have couldn't be more different,” said Alsobrooks.

She noted the political division across the country and how important it is to reach independent voters.

“We are at a time where we are making a decision about the kind of future we will build for our country, so having the opportunity to not only inspire democrats, but we also want to talk to people who are independents and others who are making decisions about so many important issues; about our freedoms, voting rights, the climate. We're talking about gun violence, a woman’s right to choose,” said Alsobrooks.

“There are many issues at stake in this election, and so having the opportunity to talk to a broader audience was a real opportunity.”

Ravi Perry, a Professor of Political Science at Howard University, says having Maryland receive so much time in the national spotlight could prove to be politically beneficial.

“It’s going to be symbolic for us to hear from the nation's only Black governor in Wes Moore. For those of us here in the DMV, of course, we are familiar with Governor Moore, but the rest of the country may not be as familiar,” said Perry.

“It gives him an opportunity to shine a light on the state of Maryland, and what Democratic leadership in Maryland has done in changing some of the scope of issues that matter for Democrats here in the Washington beltway.”

Also happening on night three of the DNC: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz made his debut as the Vice-Presidential nominee. This was Walz's first chance to demonstrate why he was the top choice for the job.

New polling from CBS News analyzed enthusiasm for Walz among registered Democrats.

60 percent of Democrats say they are enthusiastic about the selection of Walz, and almost all are at least satisfied.