Full Breakdown
Adrian Boafo Wins Democratic Primary for Maryland’s 5th Congressional District
6/24/2026, 11:44:03 PM
Retirement of Steny Hoyer Opens a Safe Seat
Rep. Steny Hoyer, first elected in 1981 and serving as House Majority Leader, announced retirement after 44 years, opening Maryland’s 5th District—Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s counties—a deep-blue seat that voted for Kamala Harris over Donald Trump by 33 points in 2024.
Candidates and Endorsements
State delegate Adrian Boafo, 32, a former Hoyer aide, won endorsements from Hoyer, Gov. Wes Moore, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and Rep. Sarah Elfreth. Nancy Pelosi backed rival Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Police officer. Other contenders included former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker, home-healthcare CEO Quincy Bareebe and progressive attorney Wala Blegay.
Numbers Shaping the Primary
Twenty-four Democrats appeared on the ballot. When the Associated Press called the race, Boafo led with roughly 32.1 % of the vote. Outside groups contributed about $11 million, while Bareebe invested over $3 million of personal funds. The district’s 33-point margin for Harris in 2024 underscores its Democratic tilt.
Super PAC Influence and Campaign Funding
United Democracy Project, an AIPAC-linked super PAC, spent $5.7 million (or $5.5 million per other reports); crypto-aligned Protect Progress spent $5.5 million. Total outside spending was about $11 million, while Bareebe self-funded $3 million. PBS noted a $1 million pro-Israel contribution.
Official Reactions
Hoyer praised Boafo in a United Democracy Project ad, describing him as willing to confront special interests. Boafo responded by asserting that big money should not influence politics. Sen. Chris Van Hollen warned the super-PAC influx “appears to be an attempt to buy the seat.”
Opposition to Outside Money
Dunn, Baker, Bareebe and Blegay denounced the AIPAC-related and crypto money as “dark money.” Van Hollen echoed their concern that the spending undermines grassroots participation.
Voter Perspectives
Voter Michelle Green, 59, said “I just love what she is doing in the community,” about Bareebe, while noting Hoyer’s endorsement “didn’t hold sway.” Natasha Greensword, 45, and husband Rodrick voted for Boafo, saying he “shares the values of Governor Moore and Steny Hoyer.”
Discrepancies in Funding Reports
Politico reports $11 million total from pro-Israel and crypto super PACs; PBS cites $8 million overall plus a $1 million pro-Israel contribution; Fox 5 says “more than $8 million.” Discrepancies highlight limited transparency.
Direct Quotes
- “big money has no place in politics.” — Adrian Boafo, Democratic nominee
- “No one has had the kind of impact on Maryland’s 5th congressional district as Steny Hoyer has, and frankly, maybe never will.” — Adrian Boafo
- “courage to stand up to any special interests.” — Steny Hoyer, former House Majority Leader
- “I just love what she is doing in the community.” — Michelle Green, voter
- “We should be progressing, not coming back.” — Natasha Greensword, voter
General Election Outlook
Boafo will face Republican Chris Chaffee in the Nov. 3 general election. The district’s Democratic lean makes a win likely, while the primary’s financing may fuel future reform debates.
