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Former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn Launches Second Congressional Bid
Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who was on duty during the January 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol, has announced a new campaign for Congress after an unsuccessful bid earlier this year.
Dunn, who placed second in Maryland’s 3rd District Democratic primary in 2024, is now setting his sights on the state’s 5th Congressional District. The seat is being vacated by long-serving Democratic Representative Steny Hoyer, who announced last month that he will not seek re-election after more than four decades in the House of Representatives.
In a powerful campaign video, Dunn recalled his experiences during the Capitol riot, describing in vivid detail the chaos of that day.
“I will never forget that day. The shouting. The pounding. The sound of glass breaking. The shattering of American democracy,” Dunn stated in the video. “January 6 was violent, lawless. A lie turned into an attack. And Donald Trump lit the fuse. And he never put the match down.”
Dunn’s campaign appears to be centering on themes of protecting democracy and reforming immigration enforcement. According to NBC News, Dunn has publicly called for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), drawing parallels between what he witnessed at the Capitol and what he perceives as problematic behavior by immigration authorities.
“I see the same aggression in ICE agents that I saw from January 6 insurrectionists. Unchecked force. American citizens murdered. And lies to cover it up,” Dunn stated in his campaign video.
His strong stance on ICE comes at a time when immigration remains a contentious and divisive political issue nationwide. Immigration enforcement policies have been at the center of heated debates, particularly during the Biden administration and in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election.
The Maryland 5th District represents a significant opportunity for Dunn. The seat has been a Democratic stronghold under Hoyer’s leadership, and his departure creates an open race that has already attracted attention from various Democratic candidates.
Hoyer, who has held significant leadership positions during his congressional tenure, including serving as House Majority Leader, announced his retirement plans with a statement suggesting concerns about the current direction of Congress. His decision not to seek re-election marks the end of an era in Maryland politics and in the House Democratic caucus.
Dunn’s candidacy brings a unique perspective to the race. As one of the officers who defended the Capitol during the January 6 attack, he has firsthand experience with one of the most consequential political events in recent American history. Since that day, Dunn has become an outspoken voice about the riot and its implications for American democracy, testifying before the House January 6 committee and speaking at various events.
The Maryland 5th District encompasses portions of the Washington, D.C. suburbs and extends into southern Maryland, including parts of Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s counties. It has consistently voted Democratic in recent elections.
Fox News Digital reached out to Dunn’s campaign for comment on Wednesday but did not receive an immediate response.
As the 2026 election cycle approaches, Dunn’s entry into this race highlights how the events of January 6, 2021, continue to reverberate through American politics, with participants and witnesses from that day seeking to shape policy and governance in its aftermath.
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9 Comments
Given the high-profile nature of the Capitol riot, Dunn’s candidacy is likely to attract national attention. His personal experiences could give him a unique edge in connecting with voters.
The open seat in the 5th district presents an interesting opportunity for Dunn to build a new coalition of supporters. I’ll be watching to see how his campaign evolves.
Dunn’s decision to run in the new 5th district rather than his previous 3rd district suggests he sees an opening to win this open seat. His platform focusing on democracy and immigration will be worth following.
This is a bold move for Dunn after his previous unsuccessful bid. His firsthand account of the Capitol riot could give him an advantage in connecting with voters who care about safeguarding democracy.
The open seat in the 5th district creates an interesting opportunity. I wonder if Dunn’s platform will evolve from his earlier campaign or maintain a similar focus.
Dunn’s campaign video sounds powerful and impactful. Recounting the trauma of January 6th could be a compelling way to rally support, especially among those concerned about the state of US democracy.
It will be interesting to see how Dunn’s law enforcement background factors into his policy positions, particularly around issues like immigration reform.
Interesting to see a former Capitol police officer running for Congress. Given his experience on Jan 6th, he likely has a unique perspective to offer on protecting democratic institutions.
I’ll be curious to see how his campaign message resonates with voters in the new district. Reforming immigration enforcement could also be a key focus area.