Nearly three years after facing a violent mob of former President Donald Trump’s supporters, former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn has announced his candidacy for Congress. On the eve of the anniversary of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, Dunn launched his campaign in Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District, joining a crowded Democratic primary to replace retiring Democratic Rep. John Sarbanes.
Because of Jan. 6 and everything that happened afterwards, it’s clear how much of a threat the extinction of our democracy is — it’s very present right now, Dunn said in a phone interview.
Dunn, who served as a Capitol Police officer for 15 years, spent the months following the Capitol riot sharing his harrowing experience of being physically attacked by the mob and enduring racial slurs. He delivered emotional testimony at the House Jan. 6 committee’s inaugural hearing and participated in several congressional hearings regarding the attack. Dunn’s outspokenness led him to write a book advocating for accountability.
Dunn has remained involved in the aftermath of the attack, testifying in and observing cases against Jan. 6 defendants in the federal courthouse. He also attended former President Trump’s court appearance and testified during the Oath Keepers seditious conspiracy trial.
Reflecting on his decision to run for Congress, Dunn shared that it was challenging for him to continue wearing his police uniform after the trauma he experienced on January 6. However, his experience and desire for change motivated him to pursue a seat at the table.
To become a colleague, Dunn, who resigned from the Capitol Police in December 2022, must navigate a crowded Democratic primary in Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District. Despite not living in the district currently, Dunn expressed his willingness to move if elected.
While Dunn noted specific issues like infrastructure, traffic in Baltimore, mental health, and crime as his campaign focus, he emphasized that broader concerns such as abortion and gun control would also be prominent. He believes his 15 years of defending democracy uniquely position him for the job.
The winning candidate of the Democratic primary would likely secure victory in November’s general election. In 2022, Rep. Sarbanes won by a significant margin, and President Joe Biden carried the 3rd District by 26 points in 2020.
Harry Dunn’s decision to run for Congress signals a desire for change following his traumatic experience on January 6. With a commitment to defending democracy and advocating for accountability, Dunn hopes to secure the Democratic nomination and represent Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District in the upcoming election.
