GQR
25%20%15%10%5%0%
22%
MD-05 Democratic nominee?
$14.2K
JUN 24, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer State Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyMainstream Democrat
Age67 years old (Oct 24, 1958)
GenderMale
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LocationMaryland
BackgroundLawyer
EducationHoward University — BA (History), 1982
Notable personal detailsRushern Leslie Baker III is an American lawyer and Democratic politician who served as County Executive of Prince George's County, Maryland (2010–2018) and previously represented District 22B in the Maryland House of Delegates (1994–2003). He earned a BA in History and a JD from Howard University. Baker served in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps (1987–2001), attaining the rank of captain. He has also run statewide campaigns for governor of Maryland.
SourcesShowHide
en.wikipedia.orgrushernbaker.comwikidata.orglinkedin.comballotready.orgbluevoterguide.orgelections.maryland.govpolymarket.comelections.virginia.govpatch.comcommons.wikimedia.orgsos.nebraska.govmarylandmatters.orgoklahoma.govboe.cuyahogacounty.govarxiv.orgdelcopa.govwashingtonpost.comwashingtonexaminer.comprincegeorgescountymd.govcontent.govdelivery.comwtop.comwbaltv.comchestertownspy.orggoverning.comcommonsenseeasternshore.orgmayor.dc.govafro.comsenatorbaker.commsa.maryland.govbakerinstitute.orgwbur.orgumcpf.umd.edufec.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 updatedMay 24, 2026
Rushern Baker III is in the mix for Maryland’s open 5th Congressional District seat in 2026, which became available after Steny Hoyer announced his retirement. The race is already crowded, and Gov. Wes Moore did not endorse any candidate in the Democratic primary. The latest reporting mainly highlights the open-seat contest and the lack of a clear frontrunner endorsement so far.
en.wikipedia.org+33
Polls
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$202.6K
$152.0K
$101.3K
$50.7K
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$202.6K
$169.7K
$33.0K
$2.2K
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements