The announcement by longtime Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.-5th) in early January that he would not seek reelection after more than 40 years in Congress has triggered a crowded field of candidates vying for Maryland’s 5th Congressional District seat, a heavily Democratic district spanning Prince George’s County suburbs and Southern Maryland counties including Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s.
At least 20 people have announced plans to run, with three weeks remaining before the filing deadline, creating one of the most competitive open-seat races in recent Maryland history.
The latest entrants are Harry Dunn, a former U.S. Capitol Police officer who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and Prince George’s County Councilmember Wala Blegay, who was appointed to an at-large seat in December after serving in District 6. Both Dunn and Blegay are scheduled to formally announce their candidacies Wednesday.
Their announcements follow recent entries by Prince George’s Democratic Dels. Nicole Williams and Adrian Boafo. Earlier campaigns include those of Democrats Terry Jackson, a retired Navy officer; volunteer firefighter Harry Jarin; and businesswoman Quincy Bareebe, who ran unsuccessfully against Hoyer in the 2024 Democratic primary and reentered the race in October.
All told, 14 Democrats—including Dunn as the 15th—have set up campaign committees with the Federal Election Commission or filed candidacy paperwork with the Maryland State Board of Elections. Three independents and two Republicans have also filed in the deep-blue district.
Boafo holds an early advantage with Hoyer’s endorsement, announced shortly after the retirement news. Hoyer, a former House Majority Leader, praised Boafo’s experience as his former campaign manager.
Blegay and Dunn bring name recognition. Blegay cited Hoyer’s service as inspiration. “Congressman Steny Hoyer exemplifies unwavering commitment and a legacy of service,” her statement said. “My time in his office taught me that public service must be rooted in accessibility, compassion, and respect.”
Dunn, who finished second in a crowded 2024 Democratic primary for Maryland’s 3rd District after raising more than $4.5 million in five months, rolled funds into his political action committee, Dunn’s Democracy Defenders. He does not reside in the 5th District, just as he did not live in the 3rd during his prior bid, but placed second out of 22 candidates.
Dunn cited criticism of President Donald Trump and perceived congressional “cowardice” as motivations. “A loss does not take away from the desire to serve and addressing the need for fighters a lot of the country, the community, the district believes we need right now,” Dunn said. “I think a lot of the things we’re seeing now are [substantially] worse when I ran the first time.”
He described himself as supporting “law enforcement 100%” but “anti-ICE,” backing efforts to limit immigration enforcement, including Maryland General Assembly moves to ban 287(g) agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The district, which includes Southern Maryland areas, has remained stable under Hoyer’s long tenure, but his exit opens opportunities for diverse candidates, including those with progressive leanings.
The primary is set for June 23, 2026, with the general election in November. More candidates could enter before the Feb. 24 filing deadline.
Southern Maryland residents in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, along with parts of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel, will select a new representative for the first time in decades.