Adrian Boafo (D) defeated Rushern Baker III (D), Quincy Bareebe (D), Harry Dunn (D), and 19 other candidates in the Democratic primary for Maryland's 5th Congressional District on June 23, 2026. As of June 2026, Baker, Bareebe, Boafo, and Dunn led in fundraising, endorsements, and local media attention.
Incumbent Steny Hoyer (D) did not run for re-election. Maryland Matters' William J. Ford and Bryan P. Sears said, "Everybody knew that when longtime Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-5th) finally stepped down it would unleash a flood of candidates hoping to replace him. But this flood is close to biblical." As of June 2026, major election forecasters rated the general election Solid/Safe Democratic. The Baltimore Banner's Brenda Wintrode said, "[T]he race will likely be decided in the primary. It could reveal just how progressive Maryland Democrats are leaning during President Donald Trump’s second term." Hoyer endorsed Boafo on January 23, 2026.
Boafo was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2022. He was a member of the Bowie City Council from 2019 to 2022. Boafo worked as a staffer to Hoyer and Rep. Ruben Kihuen (D). Boafo ran on his record in office. Boafo's campaign website said he had "introduced and passed a landmark bill strengthening wage theft protections. He introduced legislation to raise the minimum wage, make schools cell-phone-free, and stop Wall Street from buying up Maryland homes."
