Democrat · Maryland's 2nd District · 2026
Johnny Olszewski
Olszewski met his wife, Marisa, at Goucher College; they now have a daughter, Daria.
Biography
Johnny Olszewski's congressional office includes a painting of a crab and a can of Old Bay, a reminder of home for the former Dundalk teacher.1 He lives in eastern Baltimore County with his wife, Marisa, their daughter and rescue dog, Yachty.2
A Sparrows Point High School graduate and the first in his family to finish college, Olszewski earned degrees at Goucher College and George Washington University before completing a public policy doctorate at UMBC in 2017.32 His early work included teaching social studies and special education in Baltimore County public schools.4 He also worked as a legislative affairs manager and a private sector account executive.3
Olszewski served in the Maryland House before becoming Baltimore County executive in 2018.3 His administration established the county's first public campaign finance system, Office of the Inspector General and dedicated housing and community development department.4 It also expanded access to free community college and held public budget town halls.4
He entered Congress in January 2025 and serves on the Foreign Affairs and Small Business committees.2 His stated priorities include household costs, workforce development, education, housing access and democratic institutions.2 He has also emphasized gun safety and applying his local government experience to federal policy.1 He faces Republican Dave Wallace.5
Record and controversies
Inspector general meeting dispute
Olszewski's spokesperson said he supported a 2021 meeting with the county inspector general to help employees participate in investigations without feeling intimidated.6 A 2023 review by law firm Saul Ewing, released in 2026, concluded that his then chief of staff, Patrick Murray, abused his position by pressing the inspector general to conclude an investigation.7 A related records disclosure lawsuit settled in June 2025, with his successor's administration paying $100,000 for Murray's legal fees.6
Retirement payment review
A 2024 inspector general review examined a 2020 retirement settlement of $83,675 to a former county firefighter with personal connections to Olszewski.8 It deemed the payment proper but called concealment of the recipient's name improper, finding no evidence of willful or malicious intent.8 Olszewski said the findings affirmed his integrity.8