Congressional Primary Watch: Who’s Running For Hoyer’s Open Seat?

WASHINGTON — Congressman Steny Hoyer’s[D-Md.] decision to retire has transformed Maryland’s 5th Congressional District from one of the state’s most stable political seats into its most closely watched open race.

For the first time in more than 40 years, Southern Maryland voters will choose a new representative without an incumbent on the ballot, setting off a contest that has already reshaped local political conversations in St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties.

On the Democratic side, where the race is most likely to be decided given the district’s long Democratic history, the field is growing quickly. Nine Democratic candidates have officially filed, while others explore bids. One of the leading contenders, Del. Adrian Boafo, one of Hoyer’s former campaign managers and a prior leader in the Maryland General Assembly, has yet to officially file but has already earned the endorsement of the retiring congressman.

The early lineup reflects both generational change and geographic tension within the district, particularly between Prince George’s County, which holds the district’s largest share of Democratic voters, and the more rural Southern Maryland counties that have long relied on Hoyer’s seniority to amplify their voice.

Among the declared Democratic candidates is Quincy Bareebe, a business owner who previously ran in the district and has reentered the race early. Harry Jarin, an emergency services consultant and first responder, has positioned himself as a public safety-focused candidate. Several other Democrats from varied professional backgrounds have filed or are actively laying groundwork, signaling a crowded primary that could stretch well into the election year.

At the same time, speculation continues around some high-profile Democrats who have not yet entered but could quickly change the dynamics.  If even one of these potential candidates jumps in, the race could quickly consolidate around questions of experience, regional balance, and who is best positioned to succeed Hoyer’s outsized role in Congress.

Republican activity has been more limited, reflecting the district’s partisan lean. Two GOP candidates have filed, and others may follow, but Republicans face a steep uphill climb in a district that has reliably sent Hoyer to Washington for decades.

Former Republican candidate and two-time congressional Primary Election winner, Chris Palombi, has announced he will not be entering the race in 2026. Still, a contested Republican primary with additional candidates with potential name recognition could influence turnout and shape messaging that filters into down-ballot races, particularly in Calvert and St. Mary’s counties, where GOP voters are more competitive locally.

The absence of an incumbent also means the race is less about continuity and more about definition. Voters are likely to hear competing visions for what the 5th District should prioritize next, how aggressively it should push for federal resources, and how a new member of Congress can rebuild the influence Hoyer accumulated over decades.

As the candidate field continues to evolve, one thing is already clear: Hoyer’s retirement has created not just an open seat, but what could be a political reset for Southern Maryland.

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