Heather Luper
Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Maryland
MD-05 Democratic nominee?
$45.0K
JUN 24, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — MD-05 Democratic nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
0.1%chance to win
$45.0KJUN 24, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleSocial worker
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyMainstream Democrat
GenderFemale
LocationMaryland
Show moreShow less
BackgroundSocial worker
EducationWest Virginia University
Notable personal detailsHeather Marie Luper is a Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Maryland’s 5th Congressional District (2026). She is a social worker (MSW, LCSW-C) and worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, with prior social work roles in Baltimore and with the Baltimore County Department of Social Services. She is based in the Bowie, Maryland area and ran under the committee name “Luper For Congress.”
SourcesShowHide
Political Positions
Healthcare
Supports expanding access to medical and mental health services, lowering prescription drug costs, and advancing research and care in women’s health and wellness. Advocates policies to increase healthcare affordability and access for underserved communities. Does not endorse single-payer or Medicare for All on the campaign website.
Climate & Energy
Supports restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay, federal investment in resilient infrastructure to address climate impacts, and investments in sustainable infrastructure and clean energy that create jobs and protect waterways. Emphasizes partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies and funding for conservation and environmental research programs. No explicit endorsement of Green New Deal–style language or fossil‑fuel phaseout is stated on campaign materials reviewed.
Latest News
Heather Luper is in the news because she was one of the candidates in Maryland’s crowded 5th Congressional District Democratic primary to replace retiring Rep. Steny Hoyer. The race drew 24 Democratic candidates, but the summaries provided do not say whether she advanced or won. Recent coverage mainly focused on the primary itself and the broader contest for the open seat.
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Maryland’s state primary
2026 voter guide: Maryland’s 5th Congressional District
Gov. Wes Moore makes a slew of endorsements, but one name is not included
Adrian Boafo wins Democratic nomination for Maryland's 5th congressional district, CBS News Projects
Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
2026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements