Baltimore County Executive Running For 2nd District Congress Seat

TOWSON, MD — Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski (D) announced Tuesday that he is running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Maryland's 2nd Congressional District.

Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D) currently holds the seat, but he announced Friday that he will not seek re-election. Ruppersberger, who turns 78 on Wednesday, represented District 2 for more than 21 years.

Olszewski, known as "Johnny O," announced his bid to replace Ruppersberger in a Tuesday Facebook post.

"I am excited to announce that I'm officially running for Maryland's 2nd Congressional District," Olszewski said. "As a public school teacher, a state legislator, and as Baltimore County Executive, I'm proud to have dedicated my life to serving our communities."

Olszewski, who turns 42 in September, called for a new generation in Washington.

His campaign kickoff video urged bipartisanship in Congress.

"It's how D.C. should work, but it isn't," Olszewski said in the video. "Far too often, it allows partisan politics and self-interest to get in the way of progress. It's time for Washington to have a new generation of leaders."

Olszewski also hinted at his stance on abortion accesss, saying he wants to "make sure Maryland remains a beacon of hope for women and choice, not just here, but across our country."

Environmentalism is another one of his priorities.

"It's time for leaders who understand that climate change is real and something that requires urgent action," Olszewski said.

Olszewski has been county executive since 2018. He was re-elected in 2022. His term as county executive runs through 2026.

If Olszewski wins the Congressional seat, he would have to leave his post as county executive.

"As county executive, we've led transformative change, instilling the values of equity and sustainability and accountability in all that we do," he said. "We've made historic investments in our schools, our parks, our roads and more. We've tackled some of the hardest challenges out there, from police reform to gun safety to housing attainability and we've done so in a bipartisan way."

Olszewski served nine years in the House of Delegates, starting in 2006 at age 23 as the delegate for Legislative District 6, a seat he held until January 2015. Originally from Dundalk, he is a Sparrows Point High School alumni. He and his wife, Marisa, have a 7-year-old daughter, WBAL reported.

Olszewski is seen as a favorite to win the May 14 Democratic primary for the 2nd District seat, which includes most of Baltimore County and most of Carroll County, Maryland Matters reported. Other candidates to replace Ruppersberger include: Del. Harry Bhandari (D-Baltimore County), medical assistant Jessica Sjoberg and insurance agent Clint Spellman Jr. The sole Republican candidate so far is David Wallace, a businessman.

The 2nd District is generally considered safe Democratic territory, Maryland Matters said. Ruppersberger defeated Republican National Committeewoman Nicolee Ambrose 59% to 41% in 2022.

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Patch Editor Jacob Baumgart reported this story.