Johnny Olszewski Jr.

Johnny Olszewski Jr. is an American politician currently serving as a U.S. Representative for Maryland's 2nd congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, Olszewski began his term in the House of Representatives on January 3, 2025. Prior to his election to Congress, he held the position of Baltimore County Executive from 2018 to 2025 and has a history of public service that includes roles in the Maryland House of Delegates and the Baltimore County Board of Education.

Early life and career

Johnny Olszewski Jr. was born on September 10, 1982, in Dundalk, Maryland. He is the eldest of three sons in his family, with his father, John Olszewski, having served as a lobbyist and as a member of the Baltimore County Council from 1998 to 2014. His mother, Sherry Olszewski (née Crusse), played a significant role in his upbringing. Olszewski completed his high school education at Sparrows Point High School, graduating in 2000.

Following high school, Olszewski pursued higher education at Goucher College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science and American studies. His academic journey continued at George Washington University, where he obtained a master's degree in political management in 2006. Olszewski furthered his education by earning a doctorate from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, in 2017.

Olszewski's early political involvement began when he was appointed as the student member of the Baltimore County Board of Education, serving from 1999 to 2000. He later became an elected member of the Maryland Democratic State Central Committee, holding office from 2002 to 2006. After completing his studies at Goucher College, he transitioned into education, teaching social studies and special education at Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts for five years. He also worked as a countywide resource teacher for an additional two years.

House tenure

Olszewski's political career took a significant step forward in June 2006 when he was nominated by the Baltimore County Democratic Central Committee to fill a vacancy in the Maryland House of Delegates. Following his nomination, he was appointed to the position by Governor Bob Ehrlich and was sworn in shortly thereafter. He successfully ran for a full four-year term in the 2006 elections and was re-elected in 2010.

During his time in the Maryland House of Delegates, Olszewski served on several committees. Initially, he was a member of the Environmental Matters Committee before moving to the Ways and Means Committee until 2010, and later the Economic Matters Committee until 2015. His leadership capabilities were recognized when he was elected as chairman of the Baltimore County Delegation in 2011, making him the youngest individual to hold that position.

In 2013, Olszewski announced his candidacy for the Maryland Senate, aiming to succeed retiring Senator Norman R. Stone Jr. His campaign faced challenges, particularly from the Maryland Republican Party, which targeted him due to his previous votes on certain issues. Ultimately, Olszewski lost the election to Republican candidate Johnny Ray Salling by a narrow margin.

Following his defeat in the Senate race, Olszewski shifted his focus to other professional endeavors, including a role as a senior account executive at SAS Institute. He also founded a group called A Better Baltimore County to engage with constituents and understand their concerns, while working as a lobbyist in Baltimore's transportation department.

Olszewski's political aspirations continued to grow, and in 2017, he announced his candidacy for Baltimore County Executive. He faced a competitive primary election in 2018 against state senator James Brochin and county councilwoman Vicki Almond. Olszewski's campaign received endorsements from various organizations and individuals, contributing to his success in the primary. He won the Democratic primary by a narrow margin, which was followed by a general election victory against Republican candidate Alfred W. Redmer Jr.

Sworn in as Baltimore County Executive on December 3, 2018, Olszewski became the youngest person to hold this office. He was re-elected in 2022, securing a significant majority of the vote against his opponent, former state delegate Pat McDonough.

Legislative focus and committees

During his tenure as Baltimore County Executive, Olszewski focused on a range of legislative initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for residents. He supported legislation to prohibit discrimination based on source of income in housing, which aimed to enhance housing equity in the county. Additionally, he advocated for the expansion of the county council and established the Office of the Inspector General to promote transparency and accountability in local government.

Olszewski's work as county executive laid the groundwork for his subsequent election to the U.S. House of Representatives. In 2024, he ran for Congress, successfully defeating Republican candidate Kimberly Klacik in the general election. His campaign emphasized his commitment to serving the needs of his constituents and addressing pressing issues facing Maryland and the nation.

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Olszewski's legislative focus is expected to reflect his previous experiences and priorities. His background in education, local government, and community engagement positions him to address a variety of issues, including education policy, public health, and economic development. Olszewski's current term in the House is set to conclude on January 3, 2027, and he continues to serve as a representative of Maryland's 2nd congressional district.