Who's running in Maryland's 2nd congressional district
2 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
2 candidates · ballot order · John "Johnny O" Olszewski, Jr. currently holds this seat
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Reversing the administration's federal workforce reductions and protecting federal workers.
Rolling back tariffs, ending the war in Iran and restoring ACA tax credits, Medicaid and SNAP funding.
Tax reform so corporations and the wealthiest pay their fair share; a higher, inflation-indexed minimum wage.
Supporting law enforcement alongside transparency and accountability reforms.
Protecting the Chesapeake Bay and funding the Key Bridge rebuild.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Maryland's 2nd District since January 2025.
Baltimore County Executive for two terms; Maryland House of Delegates, District 6.
His first-year report lists nearly 1,500 constituent cases closed, 11 town halls, nearly $3 million returned to constituents and more than $15 million in federal project funding.
Introduced the SAFE Act to block layoffs of civil servants during shutdowns and the Protect Promoted Workers Act.
Won the June 23, 2026 Democratic primary with 84.5%.
Raised about $1.04 million this cycle, with about $614,000 on hand as of June 30, 2026.
Arguments in favor
His record can be independently verified: in his first year he closed nearly 1,500 constituent cases, held 11 town halls, returned nearly $3 million to constituents, secured more than $15 million for local projects, and led 13 bills, half of them bipartisan.
— Johnny Olszewski, Baltimore Sun and Capital Gazette voter guide
He is one of the most vocal champions for federal workers against illegal layoffs, which matters in a state heavily dependent on federal jobs.
— Johnny Olszewski, Baltimore Sun and Capital Gazette voter guide
Arguments against
He has supported expanding taxpayer-funded benefits for people in the country illegally while opposing No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime and no tax on Social Security benefits.
— Dave Wallace, Republican opponent, Baltimore Sun voter guide
His bill for 18-year Supreme Court term limits is an unconstitutional publicity stunt, while local families face a housing crisis driven by corporate landlords.
— The Baltimore County Informer, written by a former opponent for Baltimore County executive
What we couldn’t verify
No NRCC material naming Olszewski in 2026 could be found; the district is not on its target list.
Maryland Bay News referenced its earlier reporting on criticism of Olszewski's shifting position on ICE enforcement and his donor base; those articles could not be read.
Whether Olszewski will debate Wallace had not been reported.
Broad tax relief, including No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime and no tax on Social Security benefits.
Reforming more than 180 federal welfare programs, with work or job-training requirements for able-bodied adults.
Stronger federal-state-local law enforcement cooperation against violent crime, retail theft, trafficking and drugs.
Opposing gender transition procedures for minors and transgender participation in girls' sports.
Reliable, dispatchable American energy and modernising the Port of Baltimore and highways.
Drug courts and expanded addiction and mental health treatment.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Business owner in Carroll County; founder of Restore America's Mission and the FAIR Energy Foundation.
2014 Republican nominee for Maryland's 8th District; candidate for US Senate in 2016; second place in the 2nd District Republican primaries of 2022 and 2024.
Won the June 23, 2026 Republican primary with 88.9% against Nnabu Eze.
Raised about $20,200 this cycle, with about $3,000 on hand as of June 30, 2026.
Has not held elected office.
Arguments in favor
He offers a fundamentally different approach on the economy, public safety and culture — tax relief for working families and retirees, welfare reform that moves people toward work and ownership, and law enforcement cooperation to reverse rising crime.
— Dave Wallace, Baltimore Sun and Capital Gazette voter guide
Arguments against
He has run for Congress repeatedly without winning a general election, had about $3,000 on hand at mid-year, and faces an incumbent in a district with a D+10 lean.
— Maryland Bay News, citing FEC filings and the Cook Political Report
What we couldn’t verify
No published criticism of Wallace by name could be found — not from Olszewski's campaign, the DCCC, or coverage in the Baltimore Sun, The Banner or WMAR.
Whether he will debate Olszewski had not been reported.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
Maryland held its primaries on June 23, 2026. Two candidates are on the November ballot: Democratic incumbent Johnny Olszewski, who beat Clint Spellman Jr. 84.5% to 15.5%, and Republican Dave Wallace, who beat Nnabu Eze 88.9% to 11.2%. The roster is confirmed against the Maryland State Board of Elections' 2026 general election candidate list, and candidates appear here in the order the Board lists them. The district covers most of Baltimore County, a large share of Carroll County and a small part of Baltimore City. It was not part of the 2026 redistricting fight. The Cook Political Report gives it a D+10 lean. Olszewski won the open seat in 2024 with 58.3%. As of June 30, 2026 Olszewski had about $614,000 on hand; Wallace had raised about $20,200.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A Maryland ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.
Your ballot is determined by your election authority, not by us. Verify your registration, precinct, and sample ballot at Maryland State Board of Elections.