Maryland Holds Contentious Democratic Primaries to Replace Rep. Steny Hoyer and Other Key Races

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.