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U.S. Representative · Congressional District 2 · Maryland · 2026 Primary
A U.S. Representative serves as your district's voice in Congress, where they vote on federal laws, national budgets, and policies that impact daily life. They are responsible for securing federal funding for local infrastructure and helping residents resolve issues with federal agencies, such as the Social Security Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs. This office matters because it ensures your community’s specific needs and priorities are represented in the national government.
View all candidates in this raceJohn "Johnny O" Olszewski, Jr. is a lifelong Marylander serving as U.S. Representative for Maryland's 2nd Congressional District since 2025. A graduate of Baltimore County public schools and first-generation college student, he holds degrees from Goucher College (Bachelor's), George Washington University (Master's), and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (Ph.D. in public policy). Before Congress, Olszewski served more than nine years in the Maryland House of Delegates as the youngest lawmaker to chair Baltimore County's House delegation, then led Baltimore County as Executive managing a $5 billion budget with AAA credit ratings. His legislative record includes passing earned sick leave, raising minimum wage, and casting a deciding vote for marriage equality. In Congress, he serves on the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee alongside the Small Business and Foreign Affairs Committees.
Sources: Campaign website
Lowering costs for families
Olszewski is focused on affordability issues that directly impact household budgets and economic stability in the district.
“focused on the issues that matter most, like lowering costs for families”
Expanding economic opportunity
He aims to create pathways for workers to advance their careers and improve their financial prospects through workforce development.
“expanding economic opportunity”
Protecting American democracy
Olszewski prioritizes defending democratic institutions both domestically and internationally as a core mission in Congress.
“protecting the foundations of American democracy at home and abroad”
Education access and quality
His background includes fighting for stronger schools, near-universal free community college, and expanding education pathways in Maryland.
“fought for stronger schools... launched near-universal free community college; expanding workforce and education pathways”
Housing access
Increasing access to housing is a stated priority during his congressional tenure.
“increasing access to housing”
Fiscal responsibility
His leadership maintained fiscal responsibility affirmed by the highest (AAA) credit ratings available to local governments.
“maintained fiscal responsibility, affirmed by the highest (AAA) credit ratings available to local governments”
“fought for stronger schools... launched near-universal free community college; expanding workforce and education pathways”
Source“maintained fiscal responsibility, affirmed by the highest (AAA) credit ratings available to local governments”
Source“expanding economic opportunity... increasing access to housing”
Source