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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