5th Congressional District Race Heats Up With More Than 20 Candidates

March 11, 2026

A crowded Democratic primary with over 20 candidates is underway to fill the congressional seat being vacated by longtime Representative Steny Hoyer in Maryland's 5th District. Major contenders include former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, State Senator Arthur Ellis, Delegate Nicole Williams, Charles County Commissioner Reuben Collins II, and former Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker, though Hoyer has endorsed his former campaign manager, Delegate Adrian Boafo. The candidates are positioning themselves around issues including immigration enforcement, economic challenges, healthcare accessibility, and federal job losses affecting the Southern Maryland region.

Who is affected

Residents of Maryland's 5th Congressional District (covering Southern Maryland, five counties)
Over 20 Democratic primary candidates competing for the seat
U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (retiring after long tenure)
Federal employees facing job losses in the region
Families struggling with grocery costs, housing costs, and healthcare accessibility
Local law enforcement and immigrant communities (related to ICE cooperation policies)
Students and families seeking affordable higher education

What action is being taken

More than 20 candidates have filed to run in the Democratic primary
Harry Dunn is actively fundraising (raised over $550,000 on his first day)
Delegate Nicole Williams is sponsoring legislation to end 287(g) agreements between local law enforcement and ICE, which passed earlier this session
Reuben Collins II is leading the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
Steny Hoyer has endorsed Adrian Boafo
Candidates are releasing announcement videos and conducting interviews

Why it matters

This election will determine who represents a significant Southern Maryland district after decades of leadership by Steny Hoyer, a powerful figure in Congress. The outcome will impact how the district responds to current federal policies, particularly regarding immigration enforcement, economic challenges including rising household costs and federal job losses, and healthcare accessibility. With community leaders emphasizing the need for a representative who prioritizes working-class constituents over special interests, this race will shape the district's advocacy on progressive policies, support for federal facilities and colleges in the region, and resistance to what some candidates characterize as federal overreach.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer