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."
Baker was a U.S. Army Reserve veteran who served as Prince George's County Executive from 2010 to 2018 and in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1994 to 2003. Baker ran on his record in office. A Baker campaign ad said, "When Prince George's County was in crisis, Rushern Baker fought for us. As county executive, he created jobs, delivered a new regional hospital, and rebuilt our community. Now the country is in crisis and we need Rushern Baker to bring that same fight to Congress."
Bareebe was, as of the 2026 election, the chief executive officer of Royal Home Care, a home healthcare business. She earlier worked as an auditor at KPMG. Bareebe lost the 2024 primary to Hoyer 72.3%–10.3%. Bareebe completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. In her survey response, Bareebe said, "Congress needs fewer career politicians and more leaders who know how to build, run, and deliver results. I bring lived experience to every issue I fight for: healthcare access, housing, and protecting federal workers."
Dunn was a former member of the U.S. Capitol Police who was present during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Dunn ran for Maryland's 3rd Congressional District in 2024 and lost to Sarah Elfreth (D) 36.2%–25.0% in the Democratic primary. Dunn completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. In his survey response, Dunn said, "I know what it takes to challenge and hold this administration accountable, and I aim to take on that responsibility from a seat in Congress."
Also running in the primary were Mark Kenneth Arness (D), Wala Blegay (D), Reuben Collins II (D), Ellis Colvin (D), Arthur Ellis (D), Elldwnia English (D), Terry Jackson (D), Harry Jarin (D), Walter Kirkland (D), Jerry Lightfoot (D), Heather Luper (D), James Makle Jr. (D), Leigha Messick (D), Keith Salkowski (D), Kenneth Simons (D), Alexis Solis (D), Tracy Starr (D), Dave Sundberg (D), and Harold Tolbert (D). A 24th candidate, Nicole Williams (D), unofficially withdrew on May 5, 2026. Williams' name still appeared on the ballot.
In 2024, Hoyer defeated Michelle Talkington (R) 67.8%–32.0%.
