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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