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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