Maryland’s 5th Congressional District

Southern Maryland & Growing Suburbs

The Maryland’s 5th Congressional District covers all of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties, along with parts of Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties.
According to recent data, the district has a median household income of around $128,000 and about 783,000 residents, with roughly 43.5% White (non-Hispanic) and 40% Black or African American. Data USA+1

This page from MDBayNews is your all-in one hub for the 2026 House race in MD-5: candidate profiles, issue breakdowns, campaign-finance updates, local event calendars, and voter resources—tailored to the residents of Southern Maryland and the D.C.-area suburbs in the district.

Meet the Candidates

Recent Updates

As Iran’s Supreme Leader Confirmed Dead, Maryland Democrats Stick to Script

With multiple outlets reporting that Iran’s Supreme Leader and senior regime figures were killed in the strikes — and intelligence citing imminent missile threats — Maryland Democrats intensified their constitutional objections. The contrast between global reaction and local rhetoric could not be clearer.

Brown’s “Green Light” for the ICE Breaker Act Is a Political Endorsement Disguised as Legal Analysis

The article critiques Maryland’s House Bill 832, which aims to exclude individuals employed by ICE after a specified date from state law enforcement. The author argues this constitutes collective punishment and ideological screening, potentially worsening staffing issues and setting a dangerous precedent for future employment discrimination based on federal service.

Maryland Delegation Split on State of the Union Night

On February 24, 2026, Maryland’s congressional delegation was split during President Trump’s State of the Union address, with five attending and five boycotting. This division highlighted differing strategies among Democrats about engagement versus protest. The contrast revealed significant philosophical divides in response to the President’s policies, impacting Maryland voters’ perspectives.

Maryland’s 5th Congressional District: Everyone’s Running — But Who Isn’t?

The retirement of Congressman Steny Hoyer has led to a highly competitive open-seat race in Maryland’s 5th Congressional District, with nearly 30 candidates from various parties. This unprecedented field creates unique dynamics, particularly for Democrats, who dominate the district, while Republicans and independents face challenging odds. The outcome will significantly impact the district’s political landscape.

SCRIPTED. STAGED. SANITIZED.

Governor Wes Moore’s CBS town hall was criticized for lacking spontaneity and genuine engagement. Attendees noted that questions were pre-selected and scripted, creating a carefully controlled atmosphere instead of an authentic dialogue. While Moore showcased charisma and proposed ideas, he avoided addressing pressing state issues transparently, raising concerns about the effectiveness of such events.

Former Capitol Police Lieutenant Breaks With Harry Dunn, Calls MD-05 Run “Self-Serving”

Tarik Johnson, a former Capitol Police lieutenant, criticized Harry Dunn’s congressional campaign for running in a district where he doesn’t reside, viewing it as self-serving rather than community-focused. Johnson’s statement raises concerns about Dunn’s credibility and trustworthiness, echoing voter worries about authenticity and representation in upcoming Maryland elections.

District-Hopping or Representation? Harry Dunn’s Latest Congressional Bid Raises Red Flags

Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Police officer, is running for Congress in Maryland’s 5th District, despite living outside its boundaries. His candidacy has drawn criticism for perceived opportunism, with local leaders emphasizing the importance of community ties. Voters question whether he seeks genuine service or political relevance following a previous loss.

Maryland’s 5th Congressional District Braces for a Crowded, High-Stakes 2026 Open-Seat Race

Maryland’s 5th Congressional District faces a significant Democratic primary in 2026, following Steny Hoyer’s retirement. With over a dozen candidates vying for the seat, the race reveals divisions between establishment and activist factions. Funding and organization will be critical, as the outcome will shape future Democratic leadership in Southern Maryland.