Adrian Boafo wins Democratic primary for Maryland's open 5th Congressional District seat, AP projects

Adrian Boafo has won the Democratic nomination in Maryland's 5th Congressional District, the Associated Press projects, prevailing in a crowded race to succeed retiring Rep. Steny Hoyer. The AP called the race at 9:28 p.m.

Boafo is a state delegate from Bowie and Hoyer's endorsed choice. He's also backed by Gov. Wes Moore and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks.

His bid drew more than $8 million in outside spending, including from a cryptocurrency-aligned super PAC — prompting rivals Dunn, Bareebe and Baker to jointly criticize the "dark money" supporting him.

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The 5th District seat came open after Hoyer — first elected in 1981 and a former House majority leader — announced he would not seek another term, ending one of the longest congressional tenures in Maryland history. Two dozen Democrats filed to replace him.

Boafo advances to the Nov. 3 general election and is favored in the Democratic-leaning district.