Maryland — 5th District

Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn is running for Congress again, launching a bid for Maryland's 5th District seat that was held by longtime Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer.

Dunn, who defended the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack and later testified before Congress, framed his campaign as a continuation of that service.

In announcing his run, Dunn said Jan. 6 was "violent and lawless," adding that President Donald Trump "lit the fuse" and never took responsibility. On that day, a violent mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building in an effort to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election.

"I wore the badge with pride. On January 6th, we held the line," Dunn said. "Now I'm done waiting. I'm running for Congress in Maryland's 5th District. Tell Donald Trump I'm coming back to the Capitol, this time with a vote, with oversight authority, and with subpoena power."

Dunn, a Maryland native, said he was born on Andrews Air Force Base and raised in Prince George's County, attending Surrattsville High School and training at Cheltenham. He said his campaign is focused on accountability, the rule of law, and the challenges facing working families in Southern Maryland.

The race is expected to be a crowded Democratic primary in the deep-blue district. Several Democrats have already filed, including Del. Adrian Boafo, a former aide to Hoyer. Hoyer endorsed Boafo earlier this year, shortly after announcing his retirement.

This is Dunn's second run for Congress. In 2024, he placed second in the Democratic primary for Maryland's 3rd Congressional District, losing to now-Rep. Sarah Elfreth.

"January 6 was the worst day of my life," Dunn said. "But the threat didn't end when the mob left the Capitol. That's why I'm running, to defend this country again, with the full constitutional authority of Congress."