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Maryland Holds Contentious Democratic Primaries to Replace Rep. Steny Hoyer and Other Key Races
Maryland held contentious Democratic primaries on Tuesday to choose nominees for U.S. House seats, most notably a 24-candidate race to replace retiring longtime Rep. Steny Hoyer, and a battle between current Rep. April McClain Delaney and former Rep. David Trone. The races reflected broader Democratic divisions over continuity versus progressive change, with significant personal spending by candidates and outside group involvement.
Quick Facts
Who
Steny Hoyer
What
Maryland Democratic primary elections held
When
Tuesday (primary election day)
Where
Maryland
- Maryland Democratic primary elections held
- Race to replace retiring Rep. Steny Hoyer
- Race between April McClain Delaney and David Trone for 6th District
- Bill Ferguson faces primary challenge
- State Board of Elections resent mail-in ballots due to vendor error
Maryland Democrats held a series of consequential primary elections on Tuesday to select nominees for U.S. House seats, with particular focus on filling the seat of retiring longtime Representative Steny Hoyer, the longest-serving House Democrat and former party whip. The primaries in the heavily Democratic state effectively determine outcomes in most districts, as seven of Maryland's eight congressional seats are held by Democrats. The races attracted significant spending and prominent candidates competing to shape the party's direction.
The race to replace Hoyer drew 24 Democratic candidates with starkly different visions. Adrian Boafo, a former Hoyer field director and campaign manager, offered continuity and secured endorsements from Hoyer, Governor Wes Moore, and other establishment Democrats, along with support from pro-Israel groups and cryptocurrency donors. In contrast, Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Police officer who defended the building during the January 6, 2021 riot, ran on a democracy-protection platform, while progressive attorney Wala Blegay positioned herself as a pro-Palestinian alternative critical of special interest influence. Quincy Bareebe, a home healthcare CEO, became the best-funded candidate by investing over $3 million of her own money.
Another highly competitive race featured Democratic Representative April McClain Delaney facing a comeback challenge from former Representative David Trone, who vacated the 6th District seat in 2024 after an unsuccessful Senate bid. The expensive battle centered on immigration policy, with Trone criticizing Delaney's vote for the Laken Riley Act—the only Maryland Democrat in Congress to support it. Trone, founder of Total Wine & More, lent his campaign $25 million, while Delaney lent herself over $7 million. Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson also faced his first serious primary challenge in years from a progressive opponent who criticized his block of a midcycle redistricting attempt.
The primary process experienced administrative complications when the State Board of Elections had to resend mail-in ballots after a vendor error distributed incorrect party ballots to some voters. President Trump falsely claimed the error was orchestrated by Governor Moore to ensure Democratic victory, a claim Maryland's election administrator denounced as misinformation. Beyond Democratic races, Governor Wes Moore, a rising party star, sought his second term while Republicans worked to identify a competitive candidate to challenge him in the general election.
Why This Matters
Maryland's Democratic primaries illuminate the party's internal ideological battles—establishment continuity versus progressive reform—at a critical moment. With seven of eight Maryland seats held by Democrats, these primaries effectively determine general election outcomes in a heavily Democratic state, making them a bellwether for Democratic priorities on immigration, democracy protection, and Middle East policy. The massive candidate spending and external funding also reveal how wealthy individuals and interest groups are shaping primary dynamics, with implications for future legislative independence.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 6, 2021
WireCapitol riot; Harry Dunn defends Capitol
Jan 1, 2023
WireLarry Hogan leaves office as Maryland governor
Jan 1, 2024
WireDavid Trone leaves House seat representing 6th District after unsuccessful Senate bid
Jun 23, 2026
WireMaryland Democratic primary elections held on Tuesday