Maryland’s typically low-key congressional races are poised for intense scrutiny and heavy spending in 2026, driven by the retirement of longtime Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-5th) after 45 years in office and former Rep. David Trone’s (D) bid to reclaim Maryland’s 6th District seat from incumbent Rep. April McClain Delaney (D).
Hoyer, who announced his retirement in January 2026, ending a career that began with a special election win in 1981, created an open seat in the safely Democratic 5th District. The district spans Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties and all of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties in Southern Maryland. His departure triggered a crowded Democratic primary with more than 20 candidates announced or filing, alongside a smaller number of Republicans and independents. The primary is set for June 23, 2026, with the general election on November 3.
Analysts describe the 5th District contest as a “total reset” without Hoyer’s incumbency, making fundraising critical in the competitive field. Del. Adrian Boafo (D-Prince George’s), a former Hoyer campaign manager, secured Hoyer’s endorsement in late January 2026. Hoyer praised Boafo’s knowledge of the district and service record. Quincy Bareebe (D) leads early reported fundraising with $1.2 million, largely self-funded, and has spent over $506,000 since early 2025. Harry Dunn, a former U.S. Capitol Police officer who testified about the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and ran unsuccessfully in the 3rd District in 2024, entered the race in February 2026, reporting strong initial fundraising including over $550,000 in the first day and more than $2 million shortly after. Other candidates continue to join, drawn to the open seat’s long-term potential in a deep-blue district.
In the 6th District, covering Western Maryland, Trone announced in December 2025 his challenge to McClain Delaney, who succeeded him after winning the seat in 2024 following Trone’s unsuccessful Senate run. Trone, founder of Total Wine & More, reported raising $6 million by year’s end, including a $5 million self-loan—more than quadruple McClain Delaney’s $1.3 million. Trone has a history of heavy self-financing, spending over $61 million personally in his 2024 Senate bid and tens of millions in prior House campaigns, including more than $18 million in 2018. FEC reports show Trone spent over $1.6 million on advertising, comprising most of his $2.4 million in expenditures so far.
McClain Delaney has bolstered her position with endorsements from nearly every Democratic officeholder in Maryland and loaned $700,000 to her campaign, ending with over $823,000 cash on hand. Analysts view the matchup as potentially one of the nation’s most expensive House primaries, blending personal dynamics and financial firepower.
Todd Eberly, a political science professor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, noted Trone’s serious intent and willingness to spend aggressively, predicting prominent advertising in Western Maryland. Nathan Gonzales of Inside Elections described the 6th District race as likely among the costliest primaries nationwide due to Trone’s resources and McClain Delaney’s incumbency.
Both districts highlight shifting dynamics in Maryland’s congressional landscape. The 5th District’s open seat in Southern Maryland draws significant local interest, while the 6th pits a wealthy challenger against a fresh incumbent. Primaries in June will determine nominees, with high spending expected to intensify as filing deadlines approach and campaigns build.
These developments underscore how retirements and rematches can elevate otherwise routine races, attracting money, candidates, and attention across the state.