Former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn Announces Congressional Bid in Maryland’s 5th District

Former Officer Launches Campaign in Maryland

Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn announced on Wednesday that he is running for Congress in Maryland’s 5th Congressional District. Dunn is running as a Democrat for the seat that includes the eastern and southern suburbs of Washington, D.C.

The 5th District seat is being vacated by longtime Democratic Representative Steny Hoyer, who previously served in House leadership as House Majority Leader. Hoyer was first elected in the early 1980s and has been a longstanding figure for House Democrats.

Details of the Congressional Race

Dunn’s campaign in Maryland’s 5th District follows a previous, unsuccessful effort to secure the Democratic nomination for a seat in Maryland’s 3rd District in 2024. This marks his second run for Congress, and his first in the 5th District.

Several other Democrats are competing for the 5th District seat. Among those already in the race are Quincy Bareebe, who lost a longshot primary challenge against Hoyer in 2024, and volunteer firefighter Harry Jarin, who began a primary run for the seat in May. After announcing he would not seek another term, Hoyer endorsed Maryland state delegate Adrian Boafo, who had previously worked as his campaign manager.

Dunn’s Ties to the 5th District

Dunn was raised in Maryland’s 5th District, which includes Prince George’s County. He was born there, attended school there, and was described as a star athlete in the area. He has referred to the district as his home and said that it helped shape who he is.

Dunn has stated that he is hearing fear from people in the district as he speaks at events in Maryland. He has said that people in the district are scared now. According to Dunn, mass layoffs of federal workers during the Trump administration had a disproportionate impact on the 5th District, where many federal employees live and some federal offices are located.

Role After January 6 and Criticism of Trump

Dunn emerged as a national figure and activist after the siege at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. He later testified at nationally televised hearings for the House January 6th Select Committee. His political following has been used by others by having him join fundraisers and political events to generate interest.

Dunn has been especially critical of former President Donald Trump, including Trump’s ongoing denial of the facts of the U.S. Capitol riot carried out by Trump supporters. Dunn has said he feels he has to respond to efforts to rewrite what happened that day and stated that he and others refuse to let such revisions occur.

Trump pardoned more than 1,500 riot defendants, including individuals who beat and injured police officers. Trump has described the prosecution of convicted rioters as a “grave national injustice.”

Political Landscape in the 5th District

Maryland’s 5th District is described as reliably Democratic. Hoyer won re-election there in 2024 with more than 67% of the vote. His decision to retire has opened a competitive Democratic primary to succeed him, with Dunn entering a race that already includes multiple candidates and an endorsement from Hoyer for Adrian Boafo.