The race to replace longtime Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) has nearly a dozen rumored candidates, including Del. Adrian Boafo (D-District 23), Prince George’s County Councilmember Wala Blegay, Del. Nicole Williams (D-District 22), and Alexis Solis.
Jason Fowler, who recently announced his candidacy for District 27’s state Senate seat, is hoping to see strong congressional representation to continue Hoyer’s legacy.
“I would like to see a congressional candidate who can be a check on the worst and most malignant president of our lifetime, leverage federal resources to address the growing hunger crisis in our state, and secure funds for vital transportation priorities such as the new Thomas Johnson Bridge, Southern Md light rail and improvements to the Route 4 corridor,” Fowler told The Informer.
With the race already heating up, candidates are working to garner all the support possible to achieve their goal of filling Hoyer’s seat and representing the people of Maryland’s 5th Congressional District.
Boafo is getting an early start and announcing endorsements from Sens. Ron Watson (D-District 23) and Kevin Harris (D-District 27), and even the retiring congressman— his former boss and mentor.
“With deep respect for his character, admiration for his experience, and faith in his ability as a leader, I am proud to endorse Adrian Boafo for Representative of Maryland’s Fifth District,” Hoyer said in a Jan. 23 statement. “I have known Adrian for years. He is as warm as he is smart, as principled as he is pragmatic. He genuinely loves our community and our people. Public service defines Adrian.”
Boafo twice served as the campaign manager for Hoyer, and was first elected to the Bowie City Council in 2019.
“It came as no surprise when Adrian’s neighbors called on him to represent their interests on the Bowie City Council,” Hoyer continued. “Even though he was only 25, Adrian won his race handily because voters knew from experience that he was someone they could count on to resolve their problems.”
The delegate is a key sponsor of a bill to raise the minimum wage for tipped workers and is sponsoring legislation during this session to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers from becoming law enforcement officers in Maryland.
“Today, there are Prince Georgians who have access to clean water, military families who are now protected from discrimination, workers who earn higher wages, and countless other Marylanders whose lives are better because of Adrian Boafo,” Hoyer explained. “Adrian delivers results. He will continue to do so as the Congressman from Maryland’s Fifth District. I encourage my fellow Marylanders to support Adrian Boafo for Congress.”
Del. Boafo thanked Hoyer for support and decades-long commitment to serving Maryland.
“Rep. Steny Hoyer’s legacy of service and his ability to get things done for the people is awe-inspiring. His endorsement and his confidence in my ability to represent our home in Washington means the world to me,” said Boafo. “Rep. Hoyer taught me– and so many public servants across the country– the importance of knowing your constituents, how to fight like hell to deliver for them, and how to work with anyone for the common good. I hope to take those lessons to Washington as we work to fortify a promising future for Maryland’s Fifth District.”
Wala Blegay Announces Congressional Run
Blegay, who was recently appointed to one of the two at-large positions on the Prince George’s County Council, officially announced her congressional campaign on Jan. 28.
“This is about our community, our future, and leadership that fights for people,” she wrote in a social media post ahead of the announcement.
Blegay plans to launch her campaign on Feb. 4; her original launch was delayed due to the recent snowstorm.
LaTasha R. Ward, a small business owner and advocate who is planning to run for the House of Delegates, is supporting Blegay for the congressional seat.
“I have known Wala since 2014, and she’s always been an advocate and a voice for the people. I’m happy she’s running,” Ward told The Informer. “Right now in the state of Maryland, we need someone who can advocate for health care, who can advocate for women and children. I trust Wala will stand up on these issues as she has represented nurses in the past. We can’t have people in Congress who are afraid to fight.”
Lisa Ellis, a Charles County advocate, called Blegay “a warrior and a giant slayer.”
“I’ve stood in the trenches with Wala Blegay, and I’m telling you: she is the leader this moment demands,” Ellis wrote in a statement supporting the councilmember’s candidacy ahead of her announcement. “I first met Wala after a tough loss in her run for Delegate in 2018. Most people would have walked away, but not Wala. We fought side-by-side in ‘Our Prince George’s’ to challenge the status quo and demand a community that actually includes our families and minority businesses.”
Ellis likened Blegay’s fighting spirit to Reps. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).
“I have seen the fire in her up close,” she continued. “I saw her navigate being locked out because of race, gender, and ethnicity—and she never blinked. I saw her maintain unshakable integrity while others played politics.”
Alexis Solis Talks Congressional Campaign
Even before Hoyer’s retirement, Solis, who previously ran for the House of Delegates in District 24, announced her interest in a Congressional run.
“Washington has become increasingly disconnected from everyday people. I am running to bring [Maryland’s District 5] voices directly to Congress,” Solis told The Informer. “I believe this race is about representation that listens, leadership that acts, and a future that works for everyone.”
Solis is aiming to lower costs, grow opportunities for local families, expand access to health care, and support education.
“I’ve spent my time listening to people here — not just because it’s election season, but because this is home,” she continued. “Too often, decisions are made in Washington without our voices at the table. I’m going to change that on day one.”