Rushern Baker Statement Following Senator Van Hollen Press Call on Outside Spending in MD-05

For Immediate Release • Thursday, June 4, 2026

Baker raises concerns over $3 million in crypto industry spending and Delegate Boafo’s record advancing industry priorities in the Maryland statehouse 

Prince George’s County, MD—Following U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen’s press call, former Prince George’s County Executive and candidate for Maryland’s 5th congressional district Rushern Baker released the following statement regarding millions in dark money to support Oracle lobbyist and Maryland Delegate Adrian Boafo:

“What’s most concerning isn’t just that crypto-industry Super PACs are spending millions to elect Adrian Boafo—it’s the conflicts of interest and pattern of conduct that led to that support in the first place.

"Special interests do not spend that kind of money expecting nothing in return. They want someone who will work for them. Delegate Boafo already has.

"While taking a paycheck from Oracle as a federal lobbyist, Delegate Boafo introduced multiple bills to advance crypto interests in the Maryland statehouse and used his official letterhead to urge U.S. House and Senate Democrats to pass a comprehensive cryptocurrency bill.

"Adrian can deny coordinating with the Super PAC, but he didn’t have to. His record speaks for itself.

"Maryland families deserve a representative who answers to this district, not one who already has a track record of answering to corporate special interests.”

Boafo spent four years as a registered federal lobbyist for Oracle while serving in the Maryland House of Delegates. While employed by Oracle, a company heavily invested in blockchain and digital asset technology, Delegate Boafo sponsored multiple blockchain and digital asset bills in Maryland, including legislation to expand blockchain use in state government, embed blockchain into property and lease records, and legislation to create legal protections for crypto activity while limiting state regulation.

He then convened a legislative hearing where Coinbase and other crypto industry advocates testified in support, using the same ‘regulatory clarity’ talking points the industry has pushed nationwide.

At the same time, Delegate Boafo failed to disclose Oracle stock compensation and Oracle state contracts on his required Maryland financial disclosure forms, only amending those filings shortly before announcing his campaign for Congress. The situation has also raised concerns from ethics and good-government experts about the conflicts created when elected officials simultaneously serve as paid corporate lobbyists. Craig Holman of Public Citizen, who has spent two decades tracking and drafting congressional ethics laws, warned that the lack of clear safeguards and restrictions in these situations can create serious conflicts of interest and ethical concerns.

He also used his official capacity as a state delegate to urge Congress to advance a federal crypto framework while appearing on Oracle’s federal lobbying disclosures tied to digital trade and related issues before the U.S. House and Senate.

Now, Protect Progress, a crypto-aligned Super PAC, has already spent over $3 million to support his campaign for Congress.

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Baker Campaign Launches New TV Ad: “Fight”

For Immediate Release • Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Prince George’s County, MD — The campaign for Rushern Baker announced today the launch of a new television ad set to begin airing across Maryland’s 5th Congressional District on Monday.

The ad highlights Baker’s record as Prince George’s County Executive, where he took office during a period of significant financial and political crisis and helped lead the county through recovery and growth. It points to his role in creating jobs, delivering the new regional medical center, and guiding the county through major challenges while rebuilding public trust and stability.

The spot contrasts that record with the challenges families are facing today and frames the election as a choice about leadership, experience, and who is prepared to fight for Maryland families in Congress.

“In moments like this, experience matters,” said Baker. “Families across this district are worried about rising costs, attacks on fundamental rights, and the direction of the country under Donald Trump. I’ve spent my career delivering results for this community, and I’m ready to bring that same fight to Congress.”

The 30-second ad states:

“Rushern Baker fought for us.

As County Executive, he created jobs, delivered a new regional hospital, and rebuilt our community.

Now, the country is in crisis.

We need Rushern Baker to bring that same fight to Congress.

Taking on Trump, protecting our rights, and lowering costs.

The establishment may have picked their candidate.

But we have ours, Rushern Baker.”

The ad will begin airing districtwide on Monday as the campaign continues its voter outreach efforts ahead of the June 23 Democratic primary.

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Rushern Baker Calls for Moratorium on Data Centers in Maryland, Urges Fellow Candidates to Join Him

For Immediate Release • Friday, May 8, 2026

Baker: "My priority will be making sure Maryland families—not Big Tech and crypto interests—come first."

Statement comes as crypto and Big Tech backed outside groups spend more than $3 million in MD-05 race 

Prince George’s County, MD—Rushern Baker, candidate for Maryland’s 5th Congressional District, today called for an immediate moratorium on new data center construction in Maryland and urged every candidate in the race to support the same pause. Baker pointed to growing concerns from communities across the state about rising energy costs, strained infrastructure, unchecked development, and public health risks.

Baker said voters deserve transparency about where candidates stand on the issue, particularly given that candidate Adrian Boafo works as a federal lobbyist for Oracle Corporation and was listed on federal lobbying disclosures involving data center and cloud infrastructure issues. Baker also pointed to the growing influence of the cryptocurrency industry in the race, where crypto-aligned outside groups have already spent more than $3 million supporting Boafo in this election. 

"Data centers are raising energy bills, straining infrastructure, threatening our environment, raising legitimate public health concerns, and changing communities across Maryland. Families deserve leaders who are willing to stand up to powerful tech and corporate interests—not candidates whose campaigns are being bankrolled by them,” said Baker. "In Congress, I’ll fight to end the federal subsidies and tax incentives fueling this unchecked expansion, push for stronger protections for ratepayers and local communities. My priority will be making sure Maryland families—not Big Tech and crypto interests—come first."

The announcement comes amid growing community opposition to data center expansion across Maryland, particularly in Prince George's County, Frederick County, and Southern Maryland, where residents have raised concerns about rising electricity costs, water consumption, environmental impacts, and the impact on local communities. A recent Gallup poll found that seven in ten Americans oppose data center construction in their communities—with opposition especially intense among Democrats.

Baker also pointed to a Washington Post report published today finding that Virginia data centers are now connected to more than 10,000 diesel generators and that pollution from those generators could worsen respiratory and cardiovascular conditions across the region, raising new concerns about the public health consequences of unchecked data center expansion.

“Maryland families should not be asked to trade clean air, affordable energy, and community character so billion-dollar tech companies can build first and answer questions later," Baker added. "The burden of this industry is increasingly falling on the people who live nearby.”

Baker served as Prince George's County Executive from 2010 to 2018, where he built a record of delivering results for working families. He noted that the data center fight is inseparable from core economic concerns: soaring electricity bills, strained infrastructure, and the question of who bears the costs of an AI boom that enriches a handful of tech billionaires.

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MD-05 Congressional Candidates Call on Boafo to Denounce Oracle’s ICE Ties and Return Corporate Contributions

For Immediate Release • Friday, May 8, 2026

~ Rushern Baker, Wala Blegay, Quincy Bareebe, Harry Jarin demand accountability over Oracle’s role in ICE operations and corporate influence in the race ~

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MD—Today, leading candidates in Maryland’s 5th congressional district race, Rushern Baker, Wala Blegay, Quincy Bareebe, Harry Jarin, called on fellow candidate Adrian Boafo—an Oracle lobbyist—to publicly denounce his employer’s involvement in supporting ICE operations and return campaign contributions tied to Oracle’s highest ranking leadership, including the CEO Mike Sicilia, executives, and lobbyists.  

Boafo has built his campaign around anti-ICE legislation while collecting a paycheck from Oracle—a company whose technology supports ICE operations through federal contracts. At the same time, campaign finance records show he has accepted tens of thousands of dollars from Oracle’s CEO, senior executives, government affairs personnel, and lobbyists.

Additionally, Delegate Boafo failed to disclose years of Oracle bonus income on required financial disclosure filings—an omission now flagged by a government watchdog organization.

“How can voters trust Adrian Boafo to stand up to Trump’s ICE policies when he works for a company tied to ICE operations and his campaign is funded by its executives and lobbyists?” said Rushern Baker. “You cannot campaign against ICE on one hand while taking tens of thousands of dollars connected to a company supporting ICE operations on the other. If Adrian is serious about standing up to Trump and stopping ICE abuses, he should publicly denounce Oracle’s role and return the contributions tied to those interests.”

“I want to be crystal clear: I’m a proud Democrat, and today I stand with my Democratic colleagues in unity. We may not agree on every issue, but we are united in opposing the fear and trauma ICE has inflicted on immigrant communities across this country. That’s why I cannot understand how Mr. Boafo can continue working for a company tied to ICE operations while asking Democratic voters to trust him in Congress. At a moment when families are being torn apart and communities are living in fear, those ties raise serious questions about judgment and values," said Wala Blegay. "People across this country have watched horrifying images of children separated from their parents and aggressive immigration enforcement tactics that have traumatized entire communities. Maryland Democrats deserve to know where Adrian Boafo stands. Mr. Boafo should do the right thing: publicly denounce Oracle’s involvement with ICE and return every dollar connected to those interests. Voters deserve leadership that stands with vulnerable communities—not corporate interests profiting from their pain."

“Maryland deserves better. It’s no surprise that someone who works as a lobbyist for Big Tech would rather deflect and deny than acknowledge this inexcusable conflict of interest,” says Harry Jarin. “This is exactly the kind of business-as-usual politics that has destroyed trust in government.“

“I was willing to donate to my own campaign because I wanted the people of the fifth congressional district to know they could trust me that I would go to Washington with nobody’s interest but their own. The conflicts of interest detailed in this reenforces my determination,”said Quincy Bareebe.

Oracle has also become increasingly involved in the rapid expansion of large-scale data center infrastructure nationwide—including projects tied to artificial intelligence and cloud computing growth that are driving concerns over energy demand, environmental impacts, water usage, and local community accountability. 

Despite Adrian Boafo polling at just three percent, outside corporate and crypto-aligned interests are continuing to spend heavily to prop up his campaign. Protect Progress, a pro-crypto Super PAC, recently placed a $74,713 cable television buy supporting Boafo.

CONTACTS: 

Madeleine Russak (Rushern Baker) 

(626) 390-2158

Julia Saval (Wala Blegay)

(973) 525-5579

Paige Handley (Harry Jarin)

(708) 802-4432

Mark McLaurin (Quincy Bareebe) 

(667) 289-1223

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Rushern Baker Statement on Supreme Court Decision Gutting the Voting Rights Act

April 29, 2026

Baker: “This is personal to me. In 1994, I was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in a newly created district under the Voting Rights Act." 

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Rushern Baker, candidate for Congress in Maryland’s 5th congressional district, released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision weakening the Voting Rights Act:

"Today’s Supreme Court decision is a direct blow to the Voting Rights Act and to the fundamental promise of fair representation in this country. By making it harder to challenge discriminatory maps, the Court is effectively giving politicians a roadmap to strip away the voting power of Black communities. 

"The consequences will be felt far beyond the South. Black communities are already fighting to get our fair share of federal resources, and the Court just weakened one of the last protections we had to demand it.  

“This is personal to me. In 1994, I was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in a newly created district under the Voting Rights Act. It opened the door for Black representation in Prince George’s County. Before that, the system was designed to keep people like me from winning.

“The Voting Rights Act changed that—it paved the way for me to serve as a Delegate, become one of the first Black chairs of the Prince George’s County delegation, and later as County Executive. I saw firsthand what real representation delivers. When Black voices were finally in the room, we started getting our fair share in Prince George's County. 

“I’m running for Congress because I have lived through the fight for these rights and I am not going to sit back and watch them be stripped away.”

Rushern Baker was first elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1994, representing a single-member district in Prince George’s County that was newly created under the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Prior to those changes, many legislative districts in the county operated under at-large systems that made it almost impossible for Black candidates to win office.

Baker’s election is part of a broader shift in Prince George’s County, where enforcement of the Voting Rights Act helped increase Black representation in state and local government after a long history of limited access to elected office outside a small number of majority-Black districts.

As County Executive, Baker also took an active role in protecting fair representation at the federal level. During the Trump administration, he joined with the NAACP and other leaders in efforts to challenge policies that could undermine an accurate census count. These efforts were focused on ensuring that communities like Prince George’s County were fully counted, recognizing that census data directly determines congressional representation and the allocation of billions of dollars in federal funding. Suitland—home to the U.S. Census Bureau—became a focal point in the fight against policies that threatened an accurate count.

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Former Maryland Governor and SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley Endorses Rushern Baker for Congress in Maryland’s 5th District

April 22, 2026

“We need leaders in Congress who will stand up to Donald Trump and protect and strengthen Social Security—not chip away at it. That’s why I’m supporting Rushern Baker.”

Baker leads in recent polling and has the highest name recognition in the crowded Democratic primary to succeed Congressman Steny Hoyer

Prince George’s County, MD — Today, former two-term Maryland Governor and former Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Martin O'Malley announced his endorsement of Rushern L. Baker III in the Democratic primary for Maryland’s 5th Congressional District.

“These are not normal times. President Trump and his allies are coming for the benefits families and seniors depend on, including Social Security. As someone who led the Social Security Administration, I know what’s at stake. We need leaders in Congress who will stand up to Donald Trump and protect and strengthen Social Security—not chip away at it. That’s why I’m supporting Rushern Baker. He has the experience, the record, and the fight to deliver for the people of Maryland.”

Donald Trump and his allies have proposed deep cuts to Social Security, including raising the retirement age, reducing the growth of future benefits, and cutting administrative funding for the Social Security Administration. Maryland seniors receive some of the highest Social Security benefits in the country, averaging more than $2,100 per month.

Baker, a former two-term Prince George’s County Executive, is running for Congress to lower costs for working families, expand access to affordable healthcare, grow the economy across the district, and stand up to Trump. His record as County Executive includes bringing major economic development projects to the region, creating thousands of jobs, expanding access to healthcare and improving public safety.

“I’m honored to have the support of Governor O’Malley, a leader who understands what it takes to get things done in Washington and deliver real results in tough times,” said Rushern L. Baker III. “Social Security is a promise to Maryland seniors and working families—and I’ll fight in Congress to protect and strengthen it. That means standing up to Donald Trump and making sure people can count on the benefits they’ve earned.”

O’Malley joins a growing coalition of leaders and supporters backing Baker’s campaign, which has built strong support across Prince George’s County and Southern Maryland. Recent polling shows Rushern L. Baker III leading the crowded Democratic primary field in Maryland’s 5th Congressional District, with the highest name recognition in the race. 

Maryland’s 5th Congressional District is an open seat following the retirement of longtime Congressman Steny Hoyer.

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Rushern Baker on FOX 5 Discussing What’s at Stake

Rushern Baker joined FOX 5 to talk about what’s at stake in Maryland’s 5th District and why he’s running for Congress.  

Former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker joined FOX 5 DC to discuss his campaign for Congress in Maryland’s 5th District—why he’s stepping up, and what he plans to do about rising costs, healthcare, and the challenges Maryland families are facing every day. 

Baker said those concerns come up in nearly every conversation he has with voters across the district. 

Families are feeling the pressure of rising costs, economic uncertainty, and real concerns about the direction of the country. The stakes are simply too high for on-the-job training. 

This moment demands real experience and proven results.  

When Baker took office as County Executive in 2010, the county was coming out of one of the toughest periods in its history—facing a stagnant economy, rising crime, and a lack of investment. Under his leadership, the county created 15,000 new jobs, reduced crime by 55%, improved schools, and expanded access to healthcare, including securing a new regional hospital for the community.  

That’s why Baker is significantly leading in the polls—because voters know that’s the kind of leadership he’ll bring to Congress.  

His focus is straightforward: lower costs, create good-paying jobs, expand access to affordable healthcare, and stand up to Donald Trump when policies threaten Maryland families.  

Baker has spent his career doing this work—moving policy, building coalitions, and working across the aisle to get results. He’s been clear: he will work with anyone to deliver results and stand up to anyone who gets in the way.  

For working families, this election is about experience and leadership. It’s about choosing someone who’s from the community, understands the district, has a proven record of getting things done, and is ready to deliver on Day One.  

Baker believes that’s exactly what this moment requires.  

With Honor Endorses Rushern Baker for Congress in Maryland’s 5th District

National bipartisan organization dedicated to electing veterans to Congress backs Baker in open-seat race

Baker leads significantly in early polling

WASHINGTON, DC — With Honor, a bipartisan organization dedicated to electing military veterans to Congress and promoting principled, cross-partisan leadership, today endorsed Rushern Baker, an Army veteran, in his campaign for Maryland’s 5th Congressional District.

With Honor is one of the most respected bipartisan organizations operating in federal elections, known for backing candidates who demonstrate integrity, a commitment to collaboration, and a willingness to put country over party.

Through its affiliated PAC, the organization has helped elect and support dozens of members of Congress from both parties who are committed to governing responsibly and working across the aisle.

“I’m honored to have the support of With Honor,” said Baker. “This is a moment that demands serious leadership—people who know how to govern, work across the aisle, and deliver results from day one. That’s how I’ve led throughout my career, and that’s exactly how I’ll serve in Congress.”

Baker, an Army veteran and two-term County Executive of Prince George’s County, led one of the most significant economic and fiscal turnarounds in the region—strengthening the local economy, expanding access to healthcare, and restoring credibility in government. He is running for Congress to bring that same results-driven leadership to Washington—focused on lowering costs, expanding access to affordable healthcare, and standing up to Trump.

In their endorsement, the organization said, “As an Army veteran, State Delegate, and Prince George's County Executive, Rushern Baker has delivered results every step of the way. He is ready on day one to lead in Congress for the people of Maryland’s 5th District  and we are proud to support his campaign.”

With Honor’s endorsement signals growing momentum behind Baker’s campaign as voters begin to engage more closely in the race. The organization’s support highlights Baker’s reputation as a serious, experienced leader who can be effective from day one and work across the aisle to advance meaningful solutions.

Maryland’s 5th Congressional District is an open-seat race following the retirement of longtime Congressman Steny Hoyer, making it one of the most closely watched Democratic primaries in the country.

Baker currently leads the field significantly in early polling and has built a broad coalition of support across Prince George’s County and Southern Maryland.

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New Poll Shows Rushern Baker Leading Crowded Maryland 5th Congressional District Democratic Primary

For Immediate Release • Monday, March 9, 2026

Prince George’s County, MD — A new poll of likely Democratic primary voters shows former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker in a significant lead in the crowded race for Maryland’s 5th Congressional District. The survey also found Baker has the highest name recognition in the field—nearly seven in ten voters (69 percent) recognize Baker, significantly higher than other candidates tested. 

The poll, which was conducted by GQR between February 26 and March 1, surveyed 400 likely Democratic primary voters and carries a margin of error of ±4.9 percent. The results come as the race to succeed longtime Congressman Steny Hoyer continues to take shape, with more than twenty Democratic candidates having filed for the seat.

“This early polling shows our campaign is starting from a position of strength,” said Rushern Baker. “Voters across Southern Maryland and Prince George’s County know my record of taking on tough fights and getting things done. They know I’m the right candidate to stand up to Trump, lower costs for working families, and expand access to healthcare—because I’ve done it before. I’m grateful for the early support, but we know this will be a competitive race and we’re working every day to reach voters across the district.”

The initial ballot test shows Rushern Baker leading the field with 22% of the vote, followed by Harry Dunn at 15%, Wala Blegay at 11%, and Nicole Williams at 9%. Other candidates register in the single digits, including Quincy Bareebe at 6%, Arthur Ellis at 5%, Adrian Boafo at 3%, and Harry Jarin at 1%, while less than 1% selected another candidate. Twenty-eight percent of voters remain undecided.

In terms of name recognition, Rushern Baker leads the field with 69% recognition. The next closest candidates are Harry Dunn at 42% and Wala Blegay at 41%. Other candidates trail behind, including Quincy Bareebe at 36%, Arthur Ellis at 31%, Adrian Boafo at 30%, Nicole Williams at 29%, and Harry Jarin at 20%.

The Baker campaign continues to build momentum with grassroots support, community engagement, and a growing coalition of leaders and supporters throughout the Fifth District.

A memo outlining the poll results is available here.

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Rushern Baker Statement on U.S. Strikes in Iran

For Immediate Release • Saturday, February 28, 2026

Prince George’s County, MD — Rushern L. Baker III, Army veteran and candidate for Congress in Maryland’s 5th District, released the following statement regarding the recent U.S. military strikes in Iran:

“The Constitution is clear: only Congress can take this country to war. No president can make that decision alone.

I served in the military and grew up in a military family. I know what it means to serve—and I know how hard it is on families when someone they love deploys.

The cost of war is real. It’s American lives. It’s military families waiting for safe returns. It’s billions of dollars pulled away from healthcare, schools, and childcare here at home.

Working families across Maryland are already stretched thin—and they will pay the price for this unconstitutional war at the pump and at the grocery store.

Donald Trump promised no new wars. Instead, he launched military action without congressional authorization, breaking yet another promise to the American people. In Congress, holding this administration accountable will be a top priority.

I am praying for the safety of our servicemembers overseas and am grateful to them and their families for their sacrifice and service.”

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Rushern Baker III Launches Campaign for Congress, Says He’s Ready to Fight Back on Day One

For Immediate Release • Wednesday, February 25, 2026

“The stakes are too high for on-the-job training,” Baker says

Prince George’s County, MD — Rushern L. Baker III—an Army veteran, attorney, former Delegate, and two-term Prince George’s County Executive—today announced his campaign for Congress in Maryland’s 5th Congressional District, saying this moment demands a battle-tested leader ready to fight back and deliver results on Day One.

Baker’s announcement comes just one day after President Trump’s State of the Union address, which Baker said offered “more division, more political grievances, and no real plan to lower costs for working families.”

“What we heard last night was more chaos and more attacks on the institutions that protect our democracy — but no serious plan to bring down prices, protect healthcare, or strengthen our economy,” said Baker. “Maryland families deserve better. One thing is clear: the stakes are too high for on-the-job training.”

“This election is about who is ready—right now—to stand up, fight back, and deliver results for Maryland families. I’ve spent my career taking on tough fights, and I’m ready to do it again on Day One.”

Baker enters the race with a record of stepping up and delivering results during a crisis. After corruption eroded trust in Prince George’s County under his predecessor, Baker didn’t look away—he chose to lead, even when it meant taking on his own party. When he took office, the county was facing rising crime, economic stagnation, and a $150 million budget deficit. He strengthened ethics and transparency laws, restored fiscal stability, rebuilt public trust, and delivered one of the most dramatic turnarounds in Maryland history.

Under his leadership, Prince George’s County attracted more than $11 billion in private investment, secured transformative projects like MGM National Harbor, and added more than 21,000 jobs—leading Maryland in job growth for five straight quarters and transforming the county into a regional economic engine. He also secured funding for the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center and expanded access to healthcare in historically underserved communities.

Baker fought back against Donald Trump’s attacks on Maryland workers and families—blocking county cooperation with Trump’s dangerous immigration enforcement raids, demanding the government reopen during the shutdown that left Maryland federal workers without pay, and fighting to keep the FBI headquarters in Greenbelt. Prior to serving as County Executive, Baker represented the region in the Maryland House of Delegates, including as chair of Prince George's County delegation.

“Now, it’s time to take that fight to Washington,” Baker added. 

In Congress, Baker will:

• Hold Donald Trump accountable and defend democratic institutions

• Lower costs for hardworking families

• Strengthen healthcare and protect medical research

• Support caregivers

• Stand up for veterans and ensure they receive the benefits they earned

For Baker, the fight for healthcare and medical research is deeply personal. For more than a decade, he served as the primary caregiver for his late wife, Christa “Cis” Beverly, as she battled early-onset Alzheimer’s disease until her passing in 2021. At a time when this administration threatens research funding and creates uncertainty around science-based drug approvals, Baker will fight to protect medical innovation, strengthen community health programs, and ensure caregivers have the support they deserve.

Learn more at: RushernBaker.com

Contact: Madeleine Russak | press@rushernbaker.com

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