Boafo wins Democratic primary for Steny Hoyer's seat in Maryland's 5th District
The Democratic primary drew major outside spending from groups like the pro-crypto super PAC Protect Progress and AIPAC’s United Democracy Project, becoming one of the most hot-button issues in the race. The spending for Boafo received intense scrutiny from the winner’s fellow primary candidates, with Bareebe, Dunn, and former state Del. Rushern Baker III holding a joint press conference to call on Boafo to reject the money.
“I’ve been on the record about condemning outside spending for a very long time,” Boafo said in response to the criticism.
Boafo, Hoyer’s former campaign manager, also boasted endorsements from Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD). He focused his campaign on fighting the Trump administration and affordability issues, following the 2026 Democratic playbook. Boafo campaigned on ideas like raising the federal minimum wage, universal healthcare, and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
AIPAC ACCUSES VAN HOLLEN OF FANNING ‘ANTISEMITIC TROPES’ IN NEW SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN
Boafo will face Republican candidate Chris Chaffee, who won the GOP primary by nearly 20 percentage points against his closest opponent,
Michelle Talkington, when the Associated Press called the race. The Democrat is expected to cruise to victory in the deep-blue district in November.
Hoyer defeated Republican candidate Michelle Talkington, who is trailing Chaffee in the current House race, in the 2024 general election for the seat by over 35 points. Hoyer has held his seat in Congress since 1981.