John Olszewski — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in Maryland, 2026

Congressman John Olszewski voted against a two-week extension of funds for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and opposed funding the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency without accountability measures. He advocates for reforms such as prohibiting the deportation of U.S. citizens, requiring body-worn cameras for ICE agents, and establishing clear use-of-force standards, citing the need to protect civil liberties and ensure transparency.

““As Americans, it is time that we say ‘enough’ to ICE – which is why I will again vote no on legislation that funds its operations without any new accountability measures. [...] Our message has been clear and consistent: no guardrails, no money—not for two weeks. Not for two days. Fundamental rights cannot wait to be part of a future negotiation: they must be provided now. I support funding the government and avoiding shutdowns. However, I cannot justify, and will not vote in support of, writing a blank check to an agency whose actions are terrorizing communities, trampling on the Constitution, and putting lives at risk. Baltimore and cities across America deserve better.” — Congressman Johnny Olszewski, Statement ahead of his vote against a two-week extension of funds for DHS, February 3, 2026”

Congressman Johnny Olszewski voted to extend healthcare tax credits for millions of Americans, preventing premium hikes and ensuring affordability under the Affordable Care Act. He also voted against H.R. 6703, criticizing it for weakening consumer protections and reducing access to reproductive healthcare. Olszewski opposed a stop-gap budget, stating it jeopardized critical healthcare tax credits and Medicaid, emphasizing the need for affordable access to doctors.

““Despite Americans consistently identifying higher costs as their top issue, today marks 370 days that this Republican-led Congress has failed to take any meaningful action to bring down prices. If we aren’t going to pass legislation to lower costs, I am relieved that we were at least able to finally come together to prevent them from spiking even more,” Congressman Olszewski said. “No American should ever have to worry about whether or not they can afford to see a doctor when they are sick.” (Congressman Johnny Olszewski, Press Release, January 8, 2026)”

John Olszewski supports environmental justice and climate initiatives. He co-sponsors the Clean Cloud Act of 2025 and backs energy-efficiency and environmental-justice bills. He voted against attempts to overturn air-pollution and appliance-efficiency rules, a stance that aligns with addressing the needs of flood-prone areas. He was also endorsed by the LCV Action Fund as a Congressional champion.

John Olszewski voted against H.R. 6703, citing concerns that the legislation would significantly reduce access to reproductive healthcare and weaken consumer protections. He also supported the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 21), which establishes penalties for harm to infants born alive following an abortion. He additionally voted against the Pregnant Students' Rights Act.

John Olszewski advocates for increased congressional oversight in foreign policy, specifically supporting legislation to restrict the president's ability to initiate military action without Congressional approval, as seen with Venezuela. He expressed concerns regarding US-Israel military strikes in Iran, stating such actions could lead to war, while also affirming that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons. Furthermore, he emphasizes transparency and accountability within defense operations, notably by calling for a Defense Secretary's resignation due to mishandling classified information.

““President Trump pledged to avoid wars. His actions today may instead begin one. Iran is led by a brutal and oppressive regime that can never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon.” Olszewski, Statement on US-Israel Attacks on Iran, February 28, 2026.”

John Olszewski, as Education Task Force Chair for the New Democrat Coalition, co-led the release of their Workforce & Education Agenda on January 9, 2026. He champions education and job training as key to opportunity, advocating for a world-class public education system, non-college pathways to success, and robust worker support. This agenda aims to empower the next generation of American workers.

“"As a first-generation college graduate and former public school teacher, I understand that education and job training is the key to opportunity," said Task Force Chair Johnny Olszewski. "While Republicans and the Trump Administration undermine public education and workforce programs, New Dems are offering real solutions and will help every American reach their full potential. I’m proud to help lead this agenda to strengthen public schools and expand pathways to good-paying jobs."”

John Olszewski previously opposed several gun control measures, including a 2013 Maryland assault weapons ban, and received an "A" rating from the NRA in 2014. He recently voted against H.R. 2189 in 2026, a bill to modernize federal firearms laws. However, Olszewski later cited "the future and the safety of our children" in calling his assault weapons ban vote a "mistake." He has also supported legislation for stronger security measures in gun shops to prevent theft.

“a vote I've changed my mind on. I am focused on the future and the safety of our children. (John Olszewski, Baltimore Magazine, September 2021)”