High-profile Democrats backing former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn in congressional bid

Four high-profile Democrats endorsed former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn in his bid for Maryland’s open seat in the 3rd Congressional District, his campaign announced Thursday.

Reps. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) all endorsed Dunn on Thursday. Dunn, who testified before the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, launched his campaign for Congress last month.

“I got into this race because the chaos and division we’re seeing in our government is tearing our country apart. We need leaders who are willing to come together, put in the work and solve the issues that Marylanders care about — lowering costs, protecting a woman’s right to choose, and keeping our communities safe,” Dunn said in a statement.

“Our campaign’s momentum shows that Marylanders are ready for fresh leadership who will listen to them and their families. I’m humbled and honored for this support, and I look forward to calling these amazing leaders, my colleagues, when I’m elected to Congress,” he added.

Thompson, the former chair of the House select committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, praised Dunn in his endorsement.

“When violent insurrectionists attacked our Capitol on January 6th, 2021, Harry did his job and defended my colleagues regardless of their party affiliation. As Chairman of the Select Committee on the January 6 Attack, I was honored to welcome Harry to testify about what he experienced and fight for accountability,” he said.

“He’s a man of honor and integrity and will take those values to Congress, where they are much needed right now. Communities all across Maryland would benefit from having such a bold leader representing them in Congress, and I’m proud to endorse his campaign today,” he added.

During his testimony, Dunn recounted how he witnessed law enforcement officers being attacked on Jan. 6. In subsequent interviews, he also described the racial slurs he and other Black officers endured that day.

Dunn faces other Democrats vying for retiring Rep. John Sarbanes’s (D) seat, including Maryland state Dels. Mark Chang, Vanessa Atterbeary, Terri Hill and Mike Rogers and state Sens. Sarah Elfreth and Clarence Lam.