Prince George's Delegate Williams exits congressional race, citing soaring campaign costs

Nicole Williams ended her bid for Maryland’s 5th Congressional District after deciding the cost of staying competitive in the crowded primary had become too high, a retreat that reshapes both the race and Prince George’s County’s role in it.

Williams, a District 22 delegate who chairs the Prince George’s County House Delegation, was seeking the seat being vacated by Steny Hoyer. Hoyer said on Jan. 8 that he would not seek reelection after 45 years in Congress, setting off a scramble for a district that stretches across Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties and also includes parts of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties. Williams’ exit also means she cannot return to the Maryland House of Delegates next year, because the Feb. 24 filing deadline had already passed.

The crowded field has been a major part of the story from the start. Early April candidate trackers put 30 people in the race, including 24 Democrats, three Republicans and three unaffiliated candidates. By the time Williams dropped out, later coverage counted 23 Democrats remaining. With Maryland’s primary set for June 23 and the general election on Nov. 3, the Democratic contest is the one most likely to decide the next member of Congress in the safely blue district.

The money race now looks even sharper. Adrian Boafo, another Prince George’s County Democrat, has gained ground through fundraising and endorsements, and Hoyer has already backed him as his preferred successor. Boafo also picked up nine additional endorsements from Anne Arundel and Prince George’s County leaders on April 24, and Sarah Elfreth endorsed him in early May. A University of Maryland professor described Boafo as probably favored because of his fundraising strength and major endorsements.

Harry Dunn and Quincy Bareebe have also drawn attention as the campaign has tightened around a few better-funded contenders. As of early April, candidate coverage had identified Boafo, Dunn and Bareebe as leading in fundraising, endorsements and media attention, underscoring how expensive the race had become before Williams even exited.

For Prince George’s County, Williams’ withdrawal is about more than one campaign ending. It removes one of the county’s better-known state-level Democrats from the hunt for a seat that has long carried weight for Southern Maryland and for the county’s influence in Washington. In a race where money, timing and endorsements are increasingly shaping the field, the June primary is becoming as much a test of fundraising muscle as of local representation.