Key facts
- Maryland Democrats are holding primary elections on Tuesday.
- Several U.S. House nominations are being decided, including for the seat vacated by Rep. Steny Hoyer.
- Governor Wes Moore is seeking re-election.
- Former Rep. David Trone is challenging incumbent Rep. April McClain Delaney for the 6th District seat.
- Nine candidates are competing in the Republican gubernatorial primary.
Maryland Democrats are participating in key primary elections to select nominees for the U.S. House of Representatives and to determine the Republican challenger for Governor Wes Moore's re-election bid. The primaries are particularly consequential due to the state's heavily partisan districts, with seven of the eight congressional seats currently held by Democrats.
In the race to succeed retiring Democratic stalwart Steny Hoyer, a crowded field of 24 candidates is vying for the nomination. Among them are Harry Dunn, a former Capitol police officer who defended the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and Adrian Boafo, a former Hoyer field director endorsed by prominent Democrats. Progressive attorney Wala Blegay and home healthcare CEO Quincy Bareebe are also competing, with Bareebe self-funding her campaign significantly.
Another closely watched contest is in the 6th Congressional District, where former Democratic Rep. David Trone is challenging the incumbent, Democratic Rep. April McClain Delaney, for the seat he previously held. Both candidates have invested heavily in their campaigns through personal loans.
On the Republican side, nine candidates are competing in the gubernatorial primary to face Governor Moore. These candidates range from those aligned with President Donald Trump to former Democrats, all seeking to return the state to GOP leadership.