Money is shaping the contours of Maryland’s crowded Democratic primary for the open 5th Congressional District seat as the June 23 vote approaches.
Former U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn and businesswoman Quincy Bareebe each reported more than $2 million in first-quarter fundraising or self-funding, helping push the race past the $8 million mark with more than two months until primary day. The figures come from Federal Election Commission reports covering January through March 2026.
Dunn, who gained national attention defending the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, raised $2,073,664 since the start of the year. He spent $622,857 during the quarter, including about $500,000 on digital ads, and ended March with $1,450,806 cash on hand. On social media, Dunn noted his funds came without any corporate PAC contributions. “The people of the 5th District are ready for a fighter, and I’m not going to let them down,” he said.
Bareebe, who runs a home health care company and finished second to Hoyer with 10 percent in the 2024 primary, reported $2,321,860 raised in the first quarter, with $2,260,000 from her own pocket. Her total self-funding for the cycle reached $3,354,000, for overall receipts of $3,378,363. She spent $1,527,097 in the period, including mail pieces and cable TV ads, and closed the quarter with $1,485,359 on hand. In a recent digital ad, Bareebe said the district “deserves a representative who has actually lived the challenges that families here face every single day. Not a career politician. Not a national name. Somebody who built something here and will fight for it in Washington.”
The race to succeed Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), who announced his retirement in January 2026 after 45 years in Congress, has drawn more than two dozen candidates. Hoyer, who endorsed state Del. Adrian Boafo as his preferred successor, has supported Boafo with $4,000 from his campaign committee and $10,000 from his leadership PAC, AMERIPAC.
- Boafo raised $465,242 in the first quarter and held $401,080 cash on hand after spending $64,162. His support includes donations from Hoyer’s congressional allies, former staffers and State House lobbyists. Observers are watching whether the pro-Israel group AIPAC gets involved, given Hoyer’s long history as a reliable ally.
- Prince George’s County Councilmember Wala Blegay raised $386,654, largely from allies including County Executive Aisha Braveboy. She spent $135,572, mostly on signs, fliers and digital ads, and finished with $251,081 on hand.
- Former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker raised $202,645, including $30,500 of his own money. He spent $32,956 and ended the quarter with $169,889 cash on hand. Baker’s campaign released an internal poll from GQR, conducted Feb. 26 to March 1 among 400 likely primary voters, showing him at 22 percent, Dunn at 15 percent and Blegay at 11 percent, with others in single digits. The survey had a 4.9 percentage point margin of error.
- State Sen. Arthur Ellis (D-Charles) raised $212,537, nearly all from a $200,000 self-contribution, and held $207,656 on hand after minimal spending of $4,881.
- State Del. Nicole Williams (D-Prince George’s) raised $136,667, including $85,000 of her own funds, and closed with $104,686 after spending $31,980.
- Charles County Commission President Reuben Collins raised $11,575 and held $11,548 after spending just $27.
- Firefighter Harry Jarin, who campaigned aggressively against Hoyer before the retirement announcement, raised $227,751 in the quarter, including $200,000 self-funded. His overall receipts reached $426,971, with $278,395 on hand as of March 31.
The 5th District covers parts of Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties in Southern Maryland. As a solidly Democratic seat, the primary winner is heavily favored in the November general election. Early voting runs June 11-18, with mail-in ballots expected to arrive by mid-May.
Campaign finance reports highlight the financial arms race in this open-seat contest. While money does not guarantee victory, it funds the advertising, mail and organizing needed to break through in a field this large. Several candidates with elected experience showed more modest hauls, raising questions about their ability to compete in the final weeks.
The figures reflect activity only through March 31. Additional reports will come as the primary nears, and outside spending groups could further escalate costs. Southern Maryland voters in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties will help decide who replaces Hoyer, whose long tenure included key roles in passing major legislation and advocating for local interests such as Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
