AIPAC-backed Adrian Boafo beats crowded field to replace Maryland’s Steny Hoyer

Pro-Israel candidate Adrian Boafo secured a victory in Maryland's Democratic primary, winning the race to replace longtime Rep. Steny Hoyer. Boafo, a 32-year-old state delegate, garnered 32% of the vote in a crowded field, with 68% of ballots counted.

Hoyer, who is retiring after 45 years in Congress, actively supported Boafo, his former staffer and campaign manager. The octogenarian Democrat, a staunch Israel advocate and AIPAC ally, lent his considerable influence to Boafo's campaign. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) heavily backed Boafo, pouring $5.7 million into his campaign through its super PAC, United Democracy Project.

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At first glance it might not seem obvious, but our stories are actually very similar. Steny and I are both the sons of immigrants. We grew up believing in an America that drew our parents from across the sea.

Boafo's win offers a significant boost to the pro-Israel wing of the Democratic Party. It comes on the same night that three progressive candidates challenging AIPAC and opposing the war in Gaza swept primaries in New York. Boafo's success suggests that AIPAC can still be a powerful force in electing Democratic candidates, even as criticism of Israel intensifies within the party's progressive base and among the broader electorate.

During his campaign, Boafo pledged to "strengthen the US-Israel alliance," "mobilize humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians," and "ensure Israel has the security assistance it needs." His victory is seen as a message that AIPAC retains influence, despite divisions among Democrats over military aid to Israel amidst ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Iran. AIPAC celebrated the win, stating Boafo would carry forward Hoyer's "strong pro-Israel legacy."

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Boafo has made clear his vision to carry forward the strong pro-Israel legacy of Congressman Steny Hoyer, one of Congress’s most steadfast champions of the U.S.-Israel relationship.