Johnny Olszewski

Johnny Olszewski Jr., commonly known as "Johnny O," is a Democratic politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Maryland's 2nd Congressional District. Elected in November 2024 and sworn in on January 3, 2025, he succeeded retiring Representative C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger. A lifelong Marylander, Olszewski was born in Baltimore and raised in Dundalk. He earned a bachelor's degree from Goucher College, a master's degree in political management from George Washington University, and a PhD in public policy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Before his full-time entry into politics, he spent nine years as a social studies and special education teacher in the Baltimore County Public School system. Olszewski's political career began in 2006 when he was appointed to the Maryland House of Delegates at age 23, where he served until 2015 and eventually chaired the Baltimore County delegation. In 2018, he was elected as the 14th County Executive of Baltimore County, a role he held until his election to Congress. During his tenure as executive, he was recognized for implementing transparency reforms, including the creation of the county's first Office of the Inspector General and a public campaign finance system. He also prioritized education and infrastructure, overseeing significant investments in school construction and the launch of expanded tuition-free community college programs.

Olszewski's policy priorities center on economic affordability, healthcare access, and environmental sustainability. He advocates for strengthening the middle class by supporting a higher federal minimum wage, expanding the Child Tax Credit, and establishing national paid family and medical leave. In healthcare, he supports codifying reproductive rights, expanding the Affordable Care Act, and capping out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he emphasizes the importance of international diplomacy and has criticized significant funding cuts to foreign aid programs. His environmental platform focuses on climate change mitigation and the protection of the Chesapeake Bay. On gun safety, he has introduced legislation to mandate secure storage for firearms at retail shops and supports a federal ban on assault weapons. His housing agenda includes goals to significantly increase the national housing supply and eliminate tax breaks for private equity firms purchasing residential properties.