Mandy
Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn has officially announced his candidacy for Congress in Maryland, marking a new chapter in his growing political career.
Dunn, a Democrat, gained national recognition after the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, when he publicly testified before the House January 6th Select Committee and became a prominent voice defending democracy and law enforcement.
This is Dunn’s second bid for Congress. He previously sought the Democratic nomination in Maryland’s 3rd District in 2024, but was unsuccessful.
In this election cycle, he is shifting focus to Maryland’s 5th Congressional District, a neighboring seat that covers eastern and southern suburbs of Washington, D.C.
A Deep-Blue Seat Opens Up
The 5th District is becoming vacant following the retirement of Steny Hoyer, a longtime Democratic leader and former House Majority Leader who has served in Congress since the early 1980s. The district is considered safely Democratic, with Hoyer winning re-election in 2024 by more than 67% of the vote.
With Hoyer stepping aside, the race has quickly attracted multiple Democratic contenders, including candidates already backed by powerful party figures.
Strong Local Roots in Prince George’s County
Dunn emphasized his deep personal connection to the district. He was born and raised in Prince George’s County, attended school there, and gained recognition as a standout athlete during his youth.
“This district is home,” Dunn said, explaining that the community played a major role in shaping who he is today. He believes that shared experience gives him a unique understanding of voters’ concerns.
Campaign Focus: Fear, Jobs, and Democracy
Speaking to CBS News, Dunn said he is hearing increasing anxiety from residents across the district. He pointed to mass federal layoffs under the Trump administration, which he said disproportionately harmed the 5th District due to its large population of federal workers and government offices.
Dunn has also been outspoken in his criticism of Donald Trump, particularly regarding Trump’s repeated denial and reinterpretation of the events of January 6.
“I feel a responsibility to push back against the rewriting of history,” Dunn said, adding that he believes accountability for the Capitol attack remains essential.
January 6 Still Central to Dunn’s Message
Trump has pardoned more than 1,500 individuals convicted or charged in connection with the Capitol riot, including people who assaulted police officers. Since then, Trump has described the prosecutions as a “grave national injustice.”
Last month, the White House website published content containing false claims about the attack, including assertions that the 2020 election was stolen and suggestions that Capitol Police were responsible for the violence—statements strongly disputed by investigators and law enforcement officials.
Dunn says confronting these narratives is a core reason he entered the race.
A Crowded Democratic Primary
The Democratic primary is shaping up to be competitive. Candidates already in the race include Quincy Bareebe, who previously challenged Hoyer in 2024, and Harry Jarin, a volunteer firefighter who has argued that the district needs a new political direction.
Following his retirement announcement, Hoyer endorsed Adrian Boafo, a Maryland state delegate and former campaign manager, calling him a proven leader capable of delivering results. Dunn is entering the contest after that endorsement, adding another layer of complexity to the primary.
Harry Dunn’s congressional campaign blends personal history, national prominence, and a strong stance on democracy and public accountability. As Maryland’s 5th District prepares for life after Steny Hoyer, Dunn positions himself as a candidate rooted in the community and shaped by one of the most consequential moments in modern American politics.
With a crowded Democratic field and heightened voter engagement, the race is expected to draw significant attention in the months ahead.