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Adrian Boafo
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Adrian Boafo | |
|---|---|
 Boafo in 2023 | |
| Member of the Maryland House of Delegates from the 23rd district | |
| Assumed office January 11, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Geraldine Valentino-Smith |
| Mayor pro tempore of Bowie | |
| In office November 18, 2019 – January 11, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Henri Gardner |
| Succeeded by | Roxy Ndebumadu |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Adrian Asiedu Boafo May 10, 1994 Arlington, Virginia, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Education | University of Baltimore (BA) American University (MBA) |
| Website | Campaign website |
Adrian Asiedu Boafo[1] (born May 10, 1994) is an American politician who has served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from the 23rd district in Prince George's County, Maryland, since 2023. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Born in Virginia and raised in Maryland, Boafo graduated from the University of Baltimore and American University. He began his political career as a press staffer for U.S. representatives Xavier Becerra and Ruben Kihuen before becoming House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer's campaign manager. He was elected to the Bowie city council in 2019 and the Maryland House of Delegates in 2022. At the same time, Boafo worked as a federal lobbyist for the Oracle Corporation.
Boafo is the Democratic nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives in Maryland's 5th congressional district election in 2026.
Early life and education
Boafo was born in Arlington, Virginia, on May 10, 1994.[2] His parents were immigrants from Ghana who migrated to the United States in the 1980s after the country's democratic political systems collapsed.[3][4]
Boafo graduated from DeMatha Catholic High School in 2012. He later attended the University of Baltimore, where he served as the president of the university's student government and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and public policy in 2016. Boafo was also appointed to serve as the vice president of undergraduate affairs on the University System of Maryland's student council. He also graduated from American University, receiving a Master of Business Administration degree in 2019. After graduating, Boafo worked as a press intern for U.S. Representative Xavier Becerra and as a national press assistant for U.S. Representative Ruben Kihuen. He later served as the campaign manager for House Majority leader Steny Hoyer from 2018 to 2021.[2][5][6]
While serving on the Bowie city council and in the Maryland House of Delegates, Boafo also worked as a federal lobbyist for the Oracle Corporation.[7][8] Boafo is listed among Oracle lobbyists who worked on the second Trump administration's plan to remove barriers to artificial intelligence leadership and "issues related to data centers." Boafo says his role is focused on coding access and technological literacy in communities of color.[4]
Political career
Bowie mayor pro-tempore
Boafo filed to run for District 3 of the Bowie city council on May 8, 2019, challenging incumbent council member Darian Senn-Carter.[9] Boafo won election to the Bowie city council on November 6, 2019, with 34.8 percent of the vote.[10] Soon after, the council selected him to serve as the city's youngest mayor pro tempore, succeeding at-large council member Henri Gardner.[11]
Development initiatives
In May 2020, Boafo voted to stop construction and cancel the city's contract to build a new ice rink, instead opting to build an indoor courts facility.[12] In July 2020, Boafo voted against cancelling public-private partnership proposals to repair and operate Bowie's city-operated ice rink. After the city council voted to reject the proposals, it created a task force for the amenity.[13] The task force unveiled its recommendations on January 19, 2021.[14]
In January 2021, Boafo voted against a bill to support a preliminary plan for the Bowie's Mill Branch Crossing development.[15]
In June 2021, Boafo introduced a bill to provide city residents with a rebate of up to $50 to install a new water filtration system. The City Council unanimously voted to pass the initiative.[16] Later that month, the United States House Committee on Appropriations' Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee approved a $2 million request from the city to replace one mile of a tuberculated cast iron water main.[17]
Policing
In 2019, Boafo included a budget line item in the city's budget to reimburse Bowie residents for installing outdoor cameras. In November 2020, Boafo and the Bowie Police Department launched a program to provide rebates up to $50 for residents who purchase and install a home security camera.[18]
In June 2020, Boafo attended a vigil to honor George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor at Allen Pond Park in Bowie.[19]
Maryland House of Delegates
Boafo announced he would run for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 23 on February 25, 2022. His campaign was endorsed by House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.[7] He won the Democratic primary on July 19, 2022, placing second with 14.4 percent of the vote.[20]
Boafo was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 11, 2023. He was a member of the Economic Matters Committee.[2] He was a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, pledged to Kamala Harris.[21]
In September 2024, Boafo established his own federal political action committee, GenBlue PAC, to endorse liberal candidates running for Congress.[3]
2026 congressional campaign
On January 12, 2026, Boafo announced that he would run for the U.S. House of Representatives in Maryland's 5th congressional district, seeking to succeed Steny Hoyer, who is retiring.[22] During the Democratic primary, he received endorsements from Hoyer,[23] Governor Wes Moore, and U.S. senator Angela Alsobrooks.[24] Boafo also supported proposals to raise the federal minimum wage and to increase support for small businesses.[25]
In June 2026, AIPAC's United Democracy Project super PAC and pro-cryptocurrency super PAC Protect Progress spent more than $11 million[26] in independent expenditures boosting Boafo's campaign. Maryland's other U.S. Senator, Chris Van Hollen, criticized the spending, telling voters to "beware" of outside groups "trying to buy the congressional seat" and later questioning whether Boafo made promises to these groups in exchange for their support. Boafo rejected this claim, saying that he promised nothing and found Van Hollen's question "extremely insulting".[27]
Boafo won the Democratic primary election with 32.7 percent of the vote on June 23, 2026, and will face perennial candidate Chris Chaffee in the general election.[28]
Political positions
Education
During the 2026 legislative session, Boafo introduced the Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, which would restrict students' use of personal electronic devices and ban social media use during school hours.[29]
Electoral reform
During his 2026 congressional campaign, Boafo supported repealing the U.S. Supreme Court's 2010 decision in Citizens United v. FEC.[30]
Energy
During the 2026 legislative session, Boafo supported the RENEW Act, which would have studied the environmental damage caused by fossil fuel companies. During his 2026 congressional campaign, he supported setting federal standards on data centers, including what kinds of battery energy storage systems and clean energy sources are involved and increased transparency in the permitting process.[4]
Healthcare
During his 2026 congressional campaign, Boafo supported Medicare for All with a private option, as well as universal childcare.[31]
Immigration
During the 2026 legislative session, Boafo introduced a bill that would prohibit United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers hired during the second Trump administration from applying to become Maryland law enforcement officers in the future.[32]
Israel
Boafo supports Israel–United States relations, but is critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.[27]
In October 2024, on the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks, Boafo wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post in which he expressed support for the Jewish community and the Black-Jewish alliance. During the 2025 legislative session, Boafo introduced legislation to ban "masked intimidation", citing the use of face coverings among anti-Israel protesters to obscure their identity and cause disturbances.[33]
During his 2026 congressional campaign, Boafo supported strengthening Israel–United States relations and ensuring the country "has the security assistance it needs to defend itself".[34] He also supported increasing humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians.[35]
Minimum wage
During the 2026 legislative session, Boafo introduced a bill to raise the minimum wage of Maryland from $15 to $25 an hour and eliminate all subminimum wages.[36]
Redistricting
In August 2025, amid Republican efforts to redraw Texas's congressional districts to gain five congressional seats in the 2026 United States House of Representatives elections, Boafo supported redrawing Maryland's congressional districts to make Maryland's 1st congressional district more favorable to Democrats.[37]
Personal life
Electoral history
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Boafo | 713 | 34.8 | |
| Mike Byrd | 660 | 32.2 | |
| David Grogan | 331 | 16.2 | |
| Darian Senn-Carter (incumbent) | 193 | 9.4 | |
| Kevin Motley | 148 | 7.2 | |
| Write-in | 2 | 0.1 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Marvin E. Holmes, Jr. (incumbent) | 10,382 | 16.2 | |
| Democratic | Adrian Boafo | 9,237 | 14.4 | |
| Democratic | Kym Taylor | 8,957 | 14.0 | |
| Democratic | Jocelyn Irene Collins | 8,938 | 13.9 | |
| Democratic | Monica Roebuck | 7,609 | 11.9 | |
| Democratic | Keenon James | 6,104 | 9.5 | |
| Democratic | Remi Duyile | 3,888 | 6.1 | |
| Democratic | Januari McKay | 3,784 | 5.9 | |
| Democratic | Valeria Tomlin | 2,630 | 4.1 | |
| Democratic | Jacqui Steele-McCall | 2,575 | 4.0 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Marvin E. Holmes Jr. | 36,506 | 33.89 | |
| Democratic | Kym Taylor | 36,399 | 33.80 | |
| Democratic | Adrian Boafo | 33,843 | 31.42 | |
| Write-in | 957 | 0.89 | ||
References
- ↑ "Voter Details". Voteref.
- 1 2 3 "Adrian A. Boafo, Maryland State Delegate". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
- 1 2 Ford, William J.; Kurtz, Josh (September 5, 2024). "Muñoz quits House, Huntley steps up to council, Boafo launches federal PAC, more moves". Maryland Matters. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
- 1 2 3 Abamu, Jenny (May 5, 2026). "A Prince George's lobbyist and lawmaker wants to reverse the revolving door and go to Congress". WAMU. Retrieved May 5, 2026.
- ↑ Pacella, Rachael (November 14, 2019). "Economic development, tech will be focus for incoming Bowie council". The Capital. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
- ↑ Pacella, Rachael (September 19, 2019). "Candidates in the City of Bowie's election answer questions". The Bowie Blade-News. ProQuest 2292994062. Retrieved April 7, 2026 – via ProQuest.
- 1 2 Gaines, Danielle; Kurtz, Josh (February 25, 2022). "Political Notes: Delegate Seeks Apology, Drama in District 23, a New Hoyer Foe, Harden's National Security Play, and More". Maryland Matters. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
- ↑ "The Oracle lobbyist running for Hoyer's seat". Punchbowl News. February 1, 2026. Retrieved February 1, 2026.
- ↑ Pacella, Rachael (May 8, 2019). "First candidates file for election in Bowie". The Capital. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
- ↑ Pacella, Rachael (November 6, 2019). "Bowie to have new leadership in first black mayor, women return to the council". The Capital. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
- ↑ Alfaro, Carlos (November 22, 2019). "Bowie swears in first African American mayor". Prince George's Sentinel. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
- ↑ Pacella, Rachael (May 20, 2020). "Bowie City Council cancels new ice arena to instead build indoor basketball courts". The Capital. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
- ↑ Pacella, Rachael (July 8, 2020). "Bowie council rejects public-private proposals, creates ice rink task force". The Capital. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
- ↑ Conaway, Donovan (January 19, 2021). "Bowie Ice Arena Task Force unveils Ice Arena recommendations, includes HVAC renovation and a second sheet of ice". The Capital. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
- ↑ Conaway, Donovan (January 5, 2021). "After hours of discussion, Bowie council doesn't support or reject preliminary plan for hotel, multifamily development off U.S. 301". The Capital. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
- ↑ Conaway, Donovan (June 9, 2021). "Bowie council passes water rebate initiative; city offers $100 city employee COVID vaccine incentive". The Capital. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
- ↑ Conaway, Donovan (June 30, 2021). "Bowie's $2 million request to replace corroded cast iron water main approved by House subcommittee". The Capital. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
- ↑ Conaway, Donovan (November 25, 2020). "Bowie police announce security camera rebate program". The Capital. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
- ↑ Pacella, Rachael (June 6, 2020). "Bowie holds vigil for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery". The Capital. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
- 1 2 "2022 Gubernatorial Primary Election Results for House of Delegates". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. July 19, 2022. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
- ↑ Kurtz, Josh (July 22, 2024). "Meet the Maryland delegates to the Democratic National Convention". Maryland Matters. Retrieved July 22, 2024.
- ↑ Pusatory, Matt (January 12, 2026). "Prince George's County Del. Adrian Boafo is running for Congress". WUSA (TV). Retrieved January 12, 2026.
- ↑ Dent, Alec; Vazquez, Maegan (January 23, 2026). "Hoyer endorses former campaign manager in race to succeed him in Congress". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 23, 2026.
- ↑ Ford, William J.; Sears, Bryan P. (May 8, 2026). "Moore issues scores of endorsements, but some incumbent Democrats miss the cut". Maryland Matters. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
- ↑ Tichy, Brenna (March 8, 2026). "Meet the 4 Prince George's County officials running for Maryland's 5th District". The Diamondback. Retrieved March 10, 2026.
- ↑ Hammann, Will (July 17, 2026). "It came from different places, but money talked in House races". Maryland Matters. Retrieved July 17, 2026.
- 1 2 Cox, Erin (June 21, 2026). "This Democrat is benefiting from $11 million in pro-Israel, crypto money". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
- ↑ Ford, William J. (June 23, 2026). "Early endorsement, late funding rush boost Boafo in 5th District". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 24, 2026.
- ↑ Ibrahim, Mennatalla (March 23, 2026). "Maryland House passes 'bell-to-bell' student cellphone ban". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
- ↑ Kurtz, Josh (May 12, 2026). "The Apprentice: Boafo fills coffers with support from Hoyer's political network". Maryland Matters. Retrieved May 13, 2026.
- ↑ "U.S. House, 5th District Democrats | Voter Guide: 2026 Primary election • Maryland". Maryland Matters. June 10, 2026. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
- ↑ Dickstein, Ryan (January 7, 2026). "Delegate proposes barring Trump hired ICE agents from ever becoming Maryland police officers". WMAR-TV. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
- ↑ Deutch, Gabby (February 16, 2025). "Black and Jewish legislators team up on anti-masking legislation in Maryland". Jewish Insider. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ↑ Kassel, Matthew (June 3, 2026). "AIPAC betting big on pro-Israel Democrat and party favorite in Maryland". Jewish Insider. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ Resnicow, Mia (May 15, 2026). "Maryland Primary: Who Will Replace Rep. Steny Hoyer?". Baltimore Jewish Times. Retrieved May 15, 2026.
- ↑ Pencek, Matthew (January 19, 2026). "Maryland Democrats to unveil $25 minimum wage bill at Annapolis rally". WRDE-LD. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
- ↑ Janesch, Sam (August 5, 2025). "Maryland Democrats ready for gerrymandering fight, may target GOP Rep. Andy Harris' district". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ↑ Boafo, Adrian [@adrianboafo]; (March 31, 2023). "I'm a devout Catholic..." Retrieved June 29, 2025 – via Instagram.
- ↑ "City of Bowie Unofficial Election Results 2019". cityofbowie.org. Bowie, Maryland. November 6, 2019. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
- ↑ "2022 Gubernatorial General Election Results for House of Delegates". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. December 7, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
External links
- Campaign website
- "Members – Delegate Adrian Boafo". Maryland General Assembly. January 11, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2023.