For the first time in 45 years, voters in Maryland’s 5th Congressional District will have an open race to determine their next voice on Capitol Hill.
The rural/suburban district, stretching from northern Anne Arundel County to Point Lookout in St. Mary’s County, has been represented by Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-District 5) since 1981, who announced he is not seeking reelection in January.
“Rep. Steny Hoyer has always been a trusted partner and a tireless advocate for Maryland. As a longtime Prince George’s County resident, I’ve seen firsthand how his leadership has helped strengthen our communities, create opportunities, and deliver results for families across our state,” Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) told The Informer. “His commitment to working together and building a stronger Maryland has made our entire federal delegation more effective and our state better positioned for the future.”
Now, there are more than 20 candidates vying for the District 5 seat in the on June 23 Maryland Primary, with early voting from June 11-18.
Among the 23 candidates are current and former Maryland legislators, including: Del. Adrian Boafo (D-District 23), Prince George’s Councilmember Wala Blegay (D- At Large) and former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker. Also in the race are community leaders such as Alexis Solis and Harry Dunn, the former U.S. Capitol officer who defended the nation’s seat of government during the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection.
“The next member of Congress from MD-5 will have huge shoes to fill,” Ivey continued. “I look forward to working with them.”
Candidates Garner Support from Top Legislators
As the race enters the home stretch, new endorsements are being debuted and some of the leading candidates have had opportunities to shake hands and talk with voters. With Early Vote only days away, each campaign is looking to secure the relatively large number of undecided voters.
Boafo, who ran Hoyer’s re-election campaign in past years, has been endorsed by political leaders including Gov. Wes Moore (D), Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D), and the congressman whom he hopes to succeed.
“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 January 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.”
Dunn, a Capitol police officer who was attacked by rioters on Jan. 6, is one of the leading fundraisers in the race and was endorsed by Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca.) in March.
“My friend Harry Dunn is a true American hero and exactly the right person to represent Maryland in Congress,” said Pelosi. “On January 6, 2021, Harry Dunn bravely defended our democracy from Donald Trump’s violent MAGA mob. Since then, Harry’s been called to do everything he can to protect Marylanders and all Americans from extremists like Donald Trump. I’m proud to endorse Harry Dunn for Congress.”
Solis, who works in federal contracting, argues her experience fighting for economic opportunities will benefit her future constituents. She has been endorsed by Laurel Mayor Keith Sydnor and Reproductive Justice Maryland.
“Partnerships matter — both locally and internationally,” said Solis. “As someone who continues to work while campaigning, I understand the importance of creating real opportunities for working families, businesses, and communities. My goal is to bridge relationships that strengthen economic growth, cultural understanding, and global cooperation.”
Baker has decades of name recognition from his past service in the Maryland General Assembly and as County Executive, along with his unsuccessful 2018 and 2022 gubernatorial runs. He was endorsed by Gov. Martin O’Malley, the former chair of the Social Security Administration, following an early poll that showed Baker leading.
“We need leaders in Congress who will stand up to Donald Trump and protect and strengthen Social Security, not chip away at it,” O’Malley said in an April endorsement. “That’s why I’m supporting Rushern Baker.”
Blegay has run a campaign centered on progressive policy while touting endorsements from County Executive Aisha Braveboy (D), Rep. Ro Khanna (D- Ca.), and County Council Chair Krystal Oriadha (D- District 7). She was also recently endorsed by two organizations working to uplift progressive leaders.
“I am honored to receive the endorsements of CASA in Action and Higher Heights PAC — two organizations that have spent years fighting for working people, expanding opportunity, and uplifting the voices of Black and Latino communities,” said Blegay in a press statement. “These endorsements are about the coalition we are building across Maryland’s Fifth District: one rooted in justice, dignity, and the belief that every family deserves congressional leadership that will fight for them. Together, we are building a movement that reflects the strength, diversity, and future of our district.”
