Former Hoyer campaign manager wins primary for his House seat in Maryland

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Maryland state Delegate Adrian Boafo (D) is projected to win the Democratic primary to fill longtime Rep. Steny Hoyer’s (D) seat, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Hoyer announced his retirement from Congress in January, bringing an end to his 45 years of service in the lower chamber. The outgoing representative backed Boafo, his former campaign manager, in the crowded Democratic race to succeed him.

The state delegate was also endorsed by Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D). Boafo began his career in politics on Hoyer’s campaign in 2018, before winning a seat on Bowie City Council at 25 years old. He later served as the city’s vice mayor before his current role in the Maryland House of Delegates.

During his time in the statehouse, Boafo also worked as a federal lobbyist for the tech company Oracle, where he said he focused on expanding technology access to communities of color. He co-sponsored a bill establishing a task force to study and make recommendations about the use and regulation of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency in the state.

Boafo’s House campaign has been financially supported by pro-crypto super PAC Protect Progress and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s (AIPAC) United Democracy Project.

Earlier this month, Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D) criticized these donations to Boafo’s campaign and accused the pro-Israel lobby and crypto industry of attempting to “buy this congressional seat.”

“Voters need to understand that these groups are not investing in this race out of charity,” Van Hollen warned during a virtual press conference.

In the Democratic contest on Tuesday, Boafo bested former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker, businesswoman Quincy Bareebe and former U.S. Capitol police officer Harry Dunn.

Maryland’s 5th Congressional District encompasses parts of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties, and it has been a reliable pick-up for Democratic candidates.

Former Vice President Harris (D) won 65 percent of the vote in the district for the 2024 presidential race, and former President Biden received 67 percent support in the 2020 election.

Boafo will face off against the winner of the Republican Party primary in November.

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Angela Alsobrooks

Chris Van Hollen

Harry Dunn

Joe Biden

Steny Hoyer

Wes Moore

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