US Reps. Dutch Ruppersberger, Steny Hoyer endorse Johnny Olszewski for Congress

Retiring U.S. Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger appeared alongside U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer to endorse County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. for the 2nd Congressional District seat at a news conference outside the historic Towson courthouse on Wednesday morning.

Ruppersberger’s endorsement ensures Olszewski, a Democrat, will enjoy the political advantages that come from being backed by a tenured statesman with deep pockets.

Both politicians said during the press conference outside Baltimore County government offices that they believed Olszewski was the right candidate to break through congressional gridlock and deliver results for the district.

“Johnny O is needed so that people around the world will see a Congress that is functional, stable and confidence building, none of which it is today,” Hoyer said.

Ruppersberger said Olszewski also had a track record of working with political opponents to pass needed legislation.

“We’ll get the House back soon when Johnny’s there and he’ll be able to make a lot of changes and do the right thing for our people, our constituents.”

Ruppersberger, 78, announced last month he would retire after serving in Congress since 2002 to spend more time with his family. He previously served as Baltimore County executive from 1994 to 2002.

Hoyer, 84, has represented his southern Maryland 5th Congressional District in Congress since 1981. Last month, he announced he would seek a 23rd term, quelling suspicions that he would join the ranks of longtime Maryland leaders like Ruppersberger, U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes, and U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, who have announced their retirements in recent months. All are Democrats.

Olszewski faces an increasingly crowded field of competitors in the May 14 primary, but has emerged as the candidate with the largest war chest so far, and has earned endorsements from other Democratic politicians including House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, Senate President Bill Ferguson, and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott.

His campaign said on Jan. 31 he had raised $400,000, the same day he officially filed to run with the Maryland State Board of Elections. His Federal Election Commission campaign has not been updated as of Wednesday to represent that amount.

Ruppersberger’s campaign reported having $821,080.43 on hand as of Dec. 31, according to the FEC.

The primary election is May 14 and the general election is Nov. 5.