Harry Dunn, former US Capitol police officer, running in competitive Maryland congressional primary

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Harry Dunn, a former police officer who defended the U.S. Capitol against rioters on Jan. 6, 2021, is running in a crowded Maryland Democratic primary along with several state legislators including state Sen. Sarah Elfreth in a competitive race for an open seat in Congress.

Dunn’s celebrity has helped draw national attention to the 22-candidate primary to replace outgoing Rep. John Sarbanes. The Democrat announced in October he would not seek a 10th term.

Supporters in the heavily Democratic 3rd Congressional District that runs between Baltimore and the nation’s capital praise Dunn as a defender of democracy. He testified at a hearing of the House committee that probed the Jan. 6 attack at the Capitol.

“It took a lot of guts for him to do what he did,” said Cathy Dixon, who has hosted Dunn at her home with other supporters in Severna Park. “He’s a brave person, and that’s what we need, brave people.”

Five state legislators who are familiar to voters in the district are also receiving support in Tuesday’s primary.

Alex Miletich said his familiarity with his state senator was a big reason he voted early for Elfreth, who is in her second term in a district that includes the state capital.

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