Adrian Boafo wins Democratic nomination in Maryland's 5th District

Mennatalla Ibrahim, Baltimore Sun on Jun 23, 2026

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Prince George’s County Del. Adrian Boafo secured the Democratic nomination for Maryland’s 5th Congressional District on Tuesday, emerging from a crowded field of 23 candidates in the race to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer.

Boafo, who won his bid by roughly 13 percentage points, advances to the Nov. 3 general election to replace Hoyer, who is retiring after 45 years in Congress and whose departure created Maryland’s only open congressional seat this election cycle.

The delegate launched his campaign in January and quickly secured endorsements from Hoyer, Gov. Wes Moore and U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks.

The 32-year-old previously served on the Bowie City Council and worked as a campaign manager for Hoyer.

His candidacy drew heightened attention during the closing weeks of the race as outside groups spent millions of dollars supporting his campaign. Organizations tied to the cryptocurrency industry and groups affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee spent nearly $8 million backing Boafo, making him the best-supported candidate overall when independent expenditures were included.

Several opponents — including former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker and businesswoman Quincy Bareebe — criticized the spending and argued outside interests were attempting to shape the outcome of the race. U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen also publicly questioned the role of outside money.

Boafo rejected those criticisms throughout the campaign, saying his focus remained on lowering costs for families, protecting healthcare access and addressing the impact of federal workforce reductions.

More than 400,000 Maryland voters cast ballots before Election Day through early voting or mail-in voting, according to the Maryland State Board of Elections.

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