Maryland state Del. Adrian Boafo (D) is projected to win the race to succeed retiring Rep. Steny Hoyer (D) in Maryland's 5th Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ. Boafo, a former campaign manager for Hoyer, defeated Republican Chris Chaffee, a perennial candidate, in Tuesday's general election.
The 5th District, which includes parts of Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties, has long been a Democratic stronghold, making Boafo's victory widely expected after he won the June primary. His campaign was bolstered by endorsements from Hoyer, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D), and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.).
Boafo, a native of Arlington, Va., holds a bachelor's degree in government and public policy from the University of Baltimore and an MBA from American University. He previously served as a senior director of government affairs for the tech company Oracle.
During his campaign, Boafo focused on lowering the cost of living, banning congressional stock trading, expanding childcare and education access, protecting the environment, and investing in emerging technologies. His platform resonated with voters in a district that has consistently backed Democratic candidates.
However, Boafo's candidacy was not without controversy. He faced criticism from some within his own party for accepting millions of dollars in donations from pro-crypto super PAC Protect Progress and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's United Democracy Project. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) accused these outside groups of trying to "buy this congressional seat."
Despite the criticism, Boafo's victory solidifies Democratic control of the seat, which Hoyer held for decades. The district's demographic makeup and political history make it a safe Democratic hold, and Boafo's win was never in serious doubt.
Boafo's win comes as Maryland voters also backed a redistricting change seen as a Democratic advantage, reflecting the state's broader political trends. His victory adds to the Democratic gains in the region, though the national landscape remains competitive.
In other races, Tennessee's 6th District saw a Republican win, while Colorado's governor race went to Democrat Jared Polis's successor. Boafo's win in Maryland, however, is a bright spot for Democrats in a state where they hold significant power.
Boafo will now head to Washington, where he is expected to align with the Democratic caucus on key issues. His focus on ethics, such as banning stock trading, and his tech background may position him as a voice on technology policy in the House.
