Clarity Campaign Labs
15%10%5%0%
10%
Democrat
Rushern Baker III
MD-05 Democratic nominee?
$45.0K
JUN 24, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer County Executive
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyMainstream Democrat
Age67 years old (Oct 24, 1958)
GenderMale
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LocationMaryland
BackgroundAttorney
EducationHoward University — B.A. (History), 1982
Notable personal detailsRushern Leslie Baker III is an American attorney, U.S. Army Reserve JAG Corps veteran, and Maryland politician. He served in the Maryland House of Delegates (District 22B) from 1994 to 2003 and was County Executive of Prince George's County, Maryland from 2010 to 2018. He has been a Democratic candidate for multiple offices, including a 2026 campaign for U.S. House in Maryland's 5th Congressional District.
SourcesShowHide
fec.govmsa.maryland.goven.wikipedia.orgrushernbaker.comsecretary.howard.eduthecandidate.comwypr.orgpfccoalition.orggoverning.com2000mdmanual.msa.maryland.govwashingtonpost.comhoyerforcongress.commarylandmatters.orgdocquery.fec.govelections.state.md.usarxiv.orgmncppcapps.orgwashingtonexaminer.comprincegeorgescountymd.govcontent.govdelivery.comwtop.comwbaltv.comchestertownspy.orgcommonsenseeasternshore.orgmayor.dc.govafro.comsenatorbaker.combakerinstitute.orgwbur.orgumcpf.umd.eduinstagram.comlegis1.comnews.ballotpedia.orgthebanner.comnbcwashington.comdropsitenews.comdbknews.combluevoterguide.orgpredictionedge.comelections.maryland.govfacebook.comballotready.orgwikidata.orgvanhollen.senate.govcongress.govgovinfo.govjustfacts.votesmart.orghoyer.house.govziplook.house.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports using taxes and targeted fees to fund expanded public services (notably education) and has proposed tax increases and new fees to raise local revenue while also proposing tax credits and other supports in broader plans. Policy actions include proposing major county tax increases for school funding and advancing local fees (e.g., bag/statewide fee proposals) alongside budget plans that prioritize increased public spending.
Healthcare
Supports expanding access to care, lowering prescription drug prices, protecting Medicare and Social Security, strengthening community and public-health programs, and expanding supports for caregivers and eldercare. Does not endorse single-payer/Medicare-for-All in the cited materials; positions emphasize expanding government programs and reducing costs.
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Immigration & Border
As Prince George’s County Executive, Rushern L. Baker III supported the county’s sanctuary-style policies limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and said the county would not change that policy in response to federal executive orders. He framed the county’s approach as following the law and protecting residents from federal immigration actions.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate affirms that a woman’s right to choose is sacred and must be protected, and pledges to protect and expand access to abortion care in Maryland, including ensuring people seeking care in the state can receive it. The campaign statement commits to opposing rollbacks of reproductive rights and to work to enshrine protections at the state level.
Climate & Energy
Supports ambitious clean-energy goals and climate action, including plans to move toward 100% clean energy and county programs promoting net-zero buildings, electric vehicle infrastructure, and watershed/river restoration. Emphasizes investments in clean energy, sustainability initiatives, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while implementing local resilience and environmental programs.
Public Safety & Guns
Rushern Baker has emphasized public safety and increased public-safety funding while serving as Prince George’s County executive, including support for police staffing and local measures aimed at addressing gun crime. Public records show he backed a county gun-offender registry and prioritized resources to remove illegal guns from the streets. He has not produced a clear, comprehensive public record endorsing or opposing specific statewide/national gun-policy items (e.g., assault-weapons bans, universal background checks, or red-flag laws) in the sources located.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 15, 2026
Rushern Baker III was one of the candidates in Maryland’s crowded 5th Congressional District Democratic primary to replace retiring Rep. Steny Hoyer. The latest reports say Adrian Boafo won the nomination, which means Baker did not emerge as the party’s nominee. Earlier coverage had framed the race as a large, competitive contest focused on issues like affordability, healthcare, jobs, and immigration.
fec.gov+48
Articles
NNewsBreak1 month ago
Maryland Democrats pick their U.S. House nominees as Moore wins primary for governor
Neutral
WWTOP1 month ago
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Maryland’s state primary
Neutral
BSBaltimore Sun2 months ago
2026 voter guide: Maryland’s 5th Congressional District
Neutral
BNBaltimore News3 months ago
Gov. Wes Moore makes a slew of endorsements, but one name is not included
Neutral
Polls
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
MD-05 Democratic nominee?
Endorsers of Rushern Baker III for MD-05 Democratic nominee?
Martin O'Malley
Public endorsement
Martin O'Malley endorsed Rushern Baker III for Maryland's 5th Congressional District Democratic primary.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$369.7K
$277.2K
$184.8K
$92.4K
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$369.7K
$75.2K
$294.5K
$16.4K
Source: FEC