A crowded field of Democratic candidates is vying for the open seat in Maryland's 5th Congressional District, left vacant by the retirement of 86-year-old Representative Steny Hoyer. Hoyer, who has represented the southern Maryland seat for 45 years, announced his retirement in January, sparking a scramble among roughly 24 Democratic candidates. The primary contest has garnered significant attention, with several high-profile endorsements and candidates with notable backgrounds.
One candidate, Boafo, has secured key endorsements from Maryland's Democratic establishment, including Hoyer himself, Governor Wes Moore, Senator Angela Alsobrooks, and the state's largest teachers union. Boafo's background includes working as a campaign aide to Hoyer and serving as a federal lobbyist for a major software and technology company before being elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2022.
Another candidate, Dunn, has received an endorsement from former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who broke with Hoyer to support Dunn's bid. Pelosi described Dunn as a "true American hero." Dunn previously ran an unsuccessful primary campaign for an open Maryland House seat in 2024. Notably, Dunn resides outside the district he seeks to represent, but has stated that he would relocate to the area if he wins the primary and general election.
Other candidates in the running include former Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker, who launched failed gubernatorial bids in 2018 and 2022, and businesswoman Quincy Bareebe. Given the district's strong Democratic leanings, the primary winner is not expected to face a competitive challenge from a Republican opponent in the general election.
