Former U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn Runs for Congress in Maryland’s 5th District

Harry Dunn, a former U.S. Capitol Police officer who became nationally recognized after his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol events, has announced his candidacy for Congress in Maryland’s 5th District. As a Democrat, Dunn is set to compete for a seat that includes the eastern and southern suburbs of Washington, D.C., following an earlier failed attempt to secure the Democratic nomination in Maryland’s 3rd District in 2024.

The 5th District seat is opening up as longtime Democrat Rep. Steny Hoyer retires. Hoyer, a legendary figure among House Democrats who served as House Majority Leader, has held this seat for several decades. With Hoyer’s decision not to seek re-election, the district’s political landscape is shifting, drawing a range of Democratic candidates. Dunn, who grew up in Prince George’s County within the 5th District, says his roots in the area influence his decision to run. He remarked, “It’s home and it made me who I am. We need people here in Congress who are prepared to stand up and fight.”

Dunn’s campaign is focused on addressing local concerns, such as the disproportionate impact of federal worker layoffs under the Trump administration, which heavily affected the district. He has been critical of former President Trump, particularly regarding Trump’s persistent denial of the Capitol riot’s reality and consequences. Dunn stated, “I have to respond to the rewriting of what happened that day. We refuse to let them happen.”

With the race already gaining momentum, Dunn joins other Democrats vying for the seat, including Quincy Bareebe and volunteer firefighter Harry Jarin. After Hoyer announced his retirement, he endorsed Adrian Boafo, a former campaign manager and current Maryland state delegate, highlighting Boafo’s capacity to achieve significant results. “Adrian has proven his ability to deliver results,” Hoyer shared on social media.

As Dunn marches into the political arena once more, it is evident that the contest to fill Maryland’s 5th District seat is heating up with a variety of contenders eager to bring forth generational change and new perspectives.