Adrian Boafo wins Democratic primary for Maryland seat with support from outside spending

Adrian Boafo, a Democrat from Maryland, won the nomination for the seat previously held by Steny Hoyer in the Democratic primary held on June 24, 2026. Boafo's campaign was significantly supported by over $10 million in outside spending from groups associated with cryptocurrency and pro-Israel interests, including the super PAC Protect Progress and the United Democracy Project linked to AIPAC. Boafo, 32, defeated a field of approximately two dozen candidates, including former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who focused his campaign on opposition to former President Donald Trump. Dunn had previously resigned from the Capitol Police in 2023. Boafo's victory was also bolstered by endorsements from prominent Maryland Democrats, including Hoyer, Governor Wes Moore, and the state's largest teachers union. Hoyer, who has served in the House for 45 years, announced his retirement earlier this year, prompting a competitive primary race. The winner of the primary is expected to face little challenge from Republican candidates in the upcoming general election due to the district's Democratic majority.