Adrian Boafo

Adrian Boafo
Boafo in 2023
Member-elect of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Maryland's 5th district
Assuming office
January 3, 2027
SucceedingSteny Hoyer
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates
from the 23rd district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 11, 2023
Preceded byGeraldine Valentino-Smith
Mayor pro tempore of Bowie
In office
November 18, 2019 – January 11, 2023
Preceded byHenri Gardner
Succeeded byRoxy Ndebumadu
Personal details
BornAdrian Asiedu Boafo
(1994-05-10) May 10, 1994 (age 32)
Arlington, Virginia, U.S.
PartyDemocratic
EducationUniversity of Baltimore (BA)
American University (MBA)
WebsiteCampaign website

Adrian Asiedu Boafo (born May 10, 1994) is an American politician who is the member-elect of the U.S. House of Representatives from Maryland's 5th congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, he has served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from the 23rd district in Prince George's County, Maryland, since 2023.

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.

Early life and career

Boafo was born in Arlington, Virginia, on May 10, 1994. His parents were immigrants from Ghana who migrated to the United States in the 1980s after the country's democratic political systems collapsed.

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 served as the campaign manager for House Majority leader Steny Hoyer from 2018 to 2021 and later worked as a federal lobbyist for Oracle.

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. Boafo won election to the Bowie city council on November 6, 2019, with 34.8 percent of the vote. Soon after, the council selected him to serve as the city's youngest mayor pro tempore, succeeding at-large council member Henri Gardner.

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. 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. The task force unveiled its recommendations on January 19, 2021.

In January 2021, Boafo voted against a bill to support a preliminary plan for the Bowie's Mill Branch Crossing development.

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. 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.

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.

In June 2020, Boafo attended a vigil to honor George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor at Allen Pond Park in Bowie.

Maryland House of Delegates

Boafo in the House Economic Matters Committee, 2025

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. He won the Democratic primary on July 19, 2022, placing second with 14.4 percent of the vote.

Boafo was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 11, 2023. He was a member of the Economic Matters Committee. He was a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, pledged to Kamala Harris.

In September 2024, Boafo established his own federal political action committee, GenBlue PAC, to endorse liberal candidates running for Congress.

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.

He was endorsed in the primary by Hoyer, Governor Wes Moore, and U.S. senator Angela Alsobrooks. During the campaign, Boafo supported proposals to raise the federal minimum wage and to increase support for small businesses.

Boafo won the Democratic primary with 32.7 percent of the vote against over 20 opponents on June 23, 2026, and went on to defeat perennial candidate Chris Chaffee to win the general election.

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.

Electoral reform

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.

During his 2026 congressional campaign, Boafo supported repealing the U.S. Supreme Court's 2010 decision in Citizens United v. FEC.

Energy

In 2024, Boafo advocated requiring new buildings in Maryland to use electric heating systems rather than fossil-fuel heating, citing environmental concerns. He proposed retaining flexibility for gas cooking appliances and suggested that the requirements could be phased in, beginning with public and commercial buildings.

In January 2025, Boafo and fellow delegate Marlon Amprey called on the Maryland Public Service Commission to impose an immediate moratorium on utility rate increases, citing rising costs for Maryland households.

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.

Federal workers

In October 2026, Boafo supported launching federal investigations into Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency if elected to Congress. He also described supporting federal workers and pledged to pursue the restoration of federal jobs in Maryland, calling it "the most important issue in my district, without a question".

Healthcare

During his 2026 congressional campaign, Boafo supported Medicare for All with a private option, as well as universal childcare.

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.

Israel

Boafo supports Israel–United States relations, but is critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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.

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". He also supported increasing humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians.

Labor and wages

During the 2024 legislative session, Boafo introduced legislation that would create a constitutional referendum that would abolish sub-minimum wages in Maryland. During the 2025 legislative session, he introduced legislation that would create a constitutional referendum that would, if approved by voters, raise Maryland's minimum wage to $20 an hour, eliminate sub-minimum wages, and eliminate taxes on tips. In 2026, Boafo introduced the Maryland Raise the Wage Act, which proposed increasing the state's minimum wage to $25 per hour and eliminating all sub-minimum wages.

In September 2026, Boafo attended labor rallies in support of passing the Protecting the Right to Organize Act and measures addressing worker misclassification and wages.

Personal life

Boafo at a Washington Commanders football game with Governor Wes Moore, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, and state delegate Kevin Harris.

Boafo is a Catholic.

Electoral history

Bowie City Council District 3 election, 2019
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
Maryland House of Delegates District 23 Democratic primary election, 2022
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
Maryland House of Delegates District 23 election, 2022
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

  1. 1 2 3 "Adrian A. Boafo, Maryland State Delegate". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
  2. 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.
  3. 1 2 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.
  4. ↑ Pacella, Rachael (November 14, 2019). "Economic development, tech will be focus for incoming Bowie council". The Capital. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
  5. ↑ 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.
  6. ↑ Pacella, Rachael (May 8, 2019). "First candidates file for election in Bowie". The Capital. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
  7. ↑ 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.
  8. ↑ Alfaro, Carlos (November 22, 2019). "Bowie swears in first African American mayor". Prince George's Sentinel. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
  9. ↑ Pacella, Rachael (May 20, 2020). "Bowie City Council cancels new ice arena to instead build indoor basketball courts". The Capital. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
  10. ↑ Pacella, Rachael (July 8, 2020). "Bowie council rejects public-private proposals, creates ice rink task force". The Capital. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
  11. ↑ 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.
  12. ↑ 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.
  13. ↑ 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.
  14. ↑ 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.
  15. ↑ Conaway, Donovan (November 25, 2020). "Bowie police announce security camera rebate program". The Capital. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
  16. ↑ Pacella, Rachael (June 6, 2020). "Bowie holds vigil for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery". The Capital. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
  17. ↑ 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.
  18. 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.
  19. ↑ Kurtz, Josh (July 22, 2024). "Meet the Maryland delegates to the Democratic National Convention". Maryland Matters. Retrieved July 22, 2024.
  20. ↑ Pusatory, Matt (January 12, 2026). "Prince George's County Del. Adrian Boafo is running for Congress". WUSA (TV). Retrieved January 12, 2026.
  21. ↑ 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.
  22. ↑ 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.
  23. ↑ 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.
  24. ↑ Ford, William J. (June 23, 2026). "Early endorsement, late funding rush boost Boafo in 5th District". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 24, 2026.
  25. ↑ "Maryland Fifth Congressional District Election Results". The New York Times. November 3, 2026. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 6, 2026.
  26. ↑ Ibrahim, Mennatalla (March 23, 2026). "Maryland House passes 'bell-to-bell' student cellphone ban". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  27. ↑ 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.
  28. ↑ Kurtz, Josh (May 12, 2026). "The Apprentice: Boafo fills coffers with support from Hoyer's political network". Maryland Matters. Retrieved May 13, 2026.
  29. ↑ Lee, John (January 18, 2024). "Baltimore County being asked to mandate new electric homes". WYPR. Retrieved November 7, 2026.
  30. ↑ Ford, William J.; Sears, Bryan P.; Kurtz, Josh (February 1, 2025). "Del. Qi's absence explained, Lopez's leave, Sen. Carter's departure mourned, more notes". Maryland Matters. Retrieved November 7, 2026.
  31. ↑ 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.
  32. ↑ Evans, Rhiannon (October 22, 2026). "If elected, Adrian Boafo wants to launch federal investigation into Elon Musk, DOGE". Capital News Service. Retrieved October 27, 2026.
  33. ↑ "U.S. House, 5th District Democrats | Voter Guide: 2026 Primary election • Maryland". Maryland Matters. June 10, 2026. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  34. ↑ Dickstein, Ryan (January 7, 2026). "Delegate proposes barring Trump hired ICE agents from ever becoming Maryland police officers". WMAR-TV. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
  35. ↑ Cox, Erin (June 21, 2026). "This Democrat is benefiting from $11 million in pro-Israel, crypto money". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  36. ↑ Deutch, Gabby (February 16, 2025). "Black and Jewish legislators team up on anti-masking legislation in Maryland". Jewish Insider. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
  37. ↑ Kassel, Matthew (June 3, 2026). "AIPAC betting big on pro-Israel Democrat and party favorite in Maryland". Jewish Insider. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
  38. ↑ Resnicow, Mia (May 15, 2026). "Maryland Primary: Who Will Replace Rep. Steny Hoyer?". Baltimore Jewish Times. Retrieved May 15, 2026.
  39. ↑ Shepherd, Katie (February 13, 2024). "Advocates turn to the ballot after Maryland lawmakers scrap tipped-wage bill". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 7, 2026.
  40. ↑ Baye, Rachel (January 23, 2025). "Maryland lawmakers propose $20 minimum wage, including for tipped workers". WYPR. Retrieved November 7, 2026.
  41. ↑ Pencek, Matthew (January 19, 2026). "Maryland Democrats to unveil $25 minimum wage bill at Annapolis rally". WRDE-LD. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
  42. ↑ Wiberg, Nicholaus (September 4, 2026). "IAM Union Rally Kicks Off Labor Day Week With Focus On Workers, Wages and Workplace Rights". The BayNet. Retrieved November 7, 2026.
  43. ↑ Boafo, Adrian [@adrianboafo]; (March 31, 2023). "I'm a devout Catholic..." Retrieved June 29, 2025 – via Instagram.
  44. ↑ "City of Bowie Unofficial Election Results 2019". cityofbowie.org. Bowie, Maryland. November 6, 2019. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
  45. ↑ "2022 Gubernatorial General Election Results for House of Delegates". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. December 7, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2023.