Quincy Bareebe (D), Adrian Boafo (D), Harry Dunn (D), and 21 other candidates are running in the Democratic primary for Maryland's 5th Congressional District on June 23, 2026. As of April 2026, Bareebe, Boafo, and Dunn led in fundraising, endorsements, and local media attention.

Incumbent Steny Hoyer (D) is not running for re-election. Maryland Matters' William J. Ford and Bryan P. Sears said, "[e]verybody knew that when longtime Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-5th) finally stepped down it would unleash a flood of candidates hoping to replace him. But this flood is close to biblical." As of April 2026, major election forecasters rated the general election Solid/Safe Democratic. The Baltimore Banner's Brenda Wintrode said, "[T]he race will likely be decided in the primary. It could reveal just how progressive Maryland Democrats are leaning during President Donald Trump’s second term." Hoyer endorsed Boafo on January 23, 2026.

Bareebe is the chief executive officer of Royal Home Care, a home healthcare business. She earlier worked as an auditor at KPMG. Bareebe lost the 2024 primary to Hoyer 72.3%–10.3%. Bareebe is running on her professional experience. Her campaign website says she "offers something different: a health care champion who has already been doing the work in our community and is ready to scale that commitment nationwide."

Boafo was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2022. He was a member of the Bowie City Council from 2019 to 2022. Boafo worked as a staffer to Hoyer and Rep. Ruben Kihuen (D). Boafo is running on his record in office. Boafo's campaign website says he has "introduced and passed a landmark bill strengthening wage theft protections. He introduced legislation to raise the minimum wage, make schools cell-phone-free, and stop Wall Street from buying up Maryland homes."

Dunn is a former member of the U.S. Capitol Police who was present during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Dunn ran for Maryland's 3rd Congressional District in 2024 and lost to Sarah Elfreth (D) 36.2%–25.0% in the Democratic primary. Dunn says he will be the most effective opponent to President Donald Trump (R). In an interview with The Hill, Dunn said, "I believe in this moment we are at a 911 emergency, and we need a first responder...All roads lead back to Donald Trump."

Also running in the primary are Mark Kenneth Arness (D), Rushern Baker III (D), Wala Blegay (D), Reuben Collins II (D), Ellis Colvin (D), Arthur Ellis (D), Elldwnia English (D), Terry Jackson (D), Harry Jarin (D), Walter Kirkland (D), Jerry Lightfoot (D), Heather Luper (D), James Makle Jr. (D), Leigha Messick (D), Keith Salkowski (D), Kenneth Simons (D), Alexis Solis (D), Tracy Starr (D), Dave Sundberg (D), Harold Tolbert (D), and Nicole Williams (D).

In 2024, Hoyer defeated Michelle Talkington (R) 67.8%–32.0%.