Who Is Running in Maryland Congressional District 5th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Steny Hoyer
(Incumbent)Economy
HighSteny Hoyer has criticized the decline in the job market and rising costs, specifically attributing these to previous administration policies and tariffs. He advocates for job creation, supporting legislation that offers tax credits to small businesses for hiring new employees and restores credit flow. Additionally, Hoyer promotes programs that boost home energy efficiency and the American auto industry, and leads the "Make It In America" agenda to strengthen domestic manufacturing and support equal pay.
Immigration
HighSteny Hoyer voted against funding the Department of Homeland Security in 2026, citing the need for reforms to curb federal immigration agents' conduct and ensure adherence to constitutional standards. He has called for justice for victims of federal immigration enforcement violence. Hoyer also opposed Republican "anti-immigrant proposals," advocating instead for bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform that grows the economy, creates an earned pathway to citizenship, and secures borders. He also voted against a bill that would cut federal funding for states encouraging immigrants to report crime or labor violations.
Healthcare
HighSteny Hoyer strongly supports expanding access to healthcare, advocating for policies that give American families control over their health care rather than insurance companies. He encouraged Marylanders to enroll in health plans through MarylandHealthConnection.gov and actively opposed the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits. He also worked to preserve these credits to prevent rising healthcare expenses, citing their role in reducing premium costs for millions of Americans.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Steny Hoyer |
|---|---|
| Economy | Steny Hoyer has criticized the decline in the job market and rising costs, specifically attributing these to previous administration policies and tariffs. He advocates for job creation, supporting legislation that offers tax credits to small businesses for hiring new employees and restores credit flow. Additionally, Hoyer promotes programs that boost home energy efficiency and the American auto industry, and leads the "Make It In America" agenda to strengthen domestic manufacturing and support equal pay. High |
| Immigration | Steny Hoyer voted against funding the Department of Homeland Security in 2026, citing the need for reforms to curb federal immigration agents' conduct and ensure adherence to constitutional standards. He has called for justice for victims of federal immigration enforcement violence. Hoyer also opposed Republican "anti-immigrant proposals," advocating instead for bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform that grows the economy, creates an earned pathway to citizenship, and secures borders. He also voted against a bill that would cut federal funding for states encouraging immigrants to report crime or labor violations. High |
| Healthcare | Steny Hoyer strongly supports expanding access to healthcare, advocating for policies that give American families control over their health care rather than insurance companies. He encouraged Marylanders to enroll in health plans through MarylandHealthConnection.gov and actively opposed the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits. He also worked to preserve these credits to prevent rising healthcare expenses, citing their role in reducing premium costs for millions of Americans. High |
| Climate & Energy | Steny Hoyer has supported major environmental bills and climate change initiatives, stating that climate change poses a threat to the environment, public health, the economy, and the Chesapeake Bay. He received a 94% score in 2024 and an 84% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters. In 2026, he voted "No" on H.Res.1014 and H.Res.1057. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Steny Hoyer is pro-choice on abortion rights, consistently demonstrating this stance through legislative actions. In 2003, he voted against the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, reflecting his support for access to reproductive healthcare. This position aligns with protecting individuals' ability to make their own reproductive decisions. Low |
| Foreign Policy | Congressman Steny Hoyer voted against full funding for the Department of Homeland Security in the FY 2026 appropriations package, stating the need for reforms to address federal immigration agents' conduct. He supported the overall appropriations bill, which funded other departments, including Defense. Hoyer also joined a bipartisan effort to introduce legislation preventing military action against NATO members, citing fundamental shared security goals. He is also noted as a steadfast friend of Israel. High |
| Education | Congressman Steny Hoyer has consistently advocated for educational access and equity, particularly for historically Black colleges and universities. He strongly supports Full-Service Community Schools to provide families with access to essential services. He voted to pass the FY 2026 appropriations package, which included funding for the Department of Education, preventing its shutdown, and stated, 'We must ensure that a student’s ZIP code does not determine the education that they receive.' High |
| Gun Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. High |
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