Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D) has diverged from her long-time ally, retiring Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), by endorsing his competitor for the seat Hoyer had hoped to pass on to his chosen successor. This move could signal the end of their intricate partnership.
Pelosi and Hoyer crossed paths for the first time back in the 1960s as interns at the Capitol. Hoyer was first elected to the House in 1981, while Pelosi followed in 1987. By the late ’90s, tensions arose as both vied for leadership roles, culminating in Pelosi defeating Hoyer in 2001 to take the position of House Minority Leader.
Although Hoyer has previously praised Pelosi—at one time suggesting that she might have won leadership if not for her gender and California roots—he has had his own successes as well. He remarked that “gender and geography were overwhelming in this case,” leading to his loss to Pelosi.
In 2006, Pelosi notably backed another candidate for the majority leadership, which Hoyer managed to win despite her opposition. Subsequently, he held one of the top positions among House Democrats for the next two decades.
Hoyer announced his retirement in January after a lengthy tenure representing Maryland’s 5th Congressional District. His preferred successor is former campaign manager Adrian Boafo.
Instead of backing Boafo in what’s expected to be a crowded primary election, Pelosi chose to endorse Harry Dunn, a former U.S. Capitol Police officer who is running for the same seat. Dunn had protected Pelosi during the January 6th Capitol riot, and she marked this support by stating, “My friend Harry Dunn is a true American hero and the perfect person to represent Maryland in Congress.”
Pelosi praised Dunn’s bravery during the violent events, asserting that he valiantly defended democracy from an extremist mob. In kind, Dunn expressed his appreciation for Pelosi’s backing, noting her commitment to safeguarding democracy and making progress for Americans.
Pelosi has also confirmed her retirement plans, set to take effect in January 2027. She had previously endorsed Dunn in his unsuccessful campaign for Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District in the last election cycle.
While Dunn gained attention for his testimony regarding the January 6th events, some investigations have called his narrative into question. He has since written a memoir and created a political action committee aimed at supporting Democratic candidates against Trump.
The primary election in Maryland is slated for June 23rd, followed by the general election on November 3rd.
