Adrian Boafo

Adrian Boafo is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing the 23rd district in Prince George's County. A member of the Democratic Party, he has been in office since 2023. Boafo has a background in local government, having previously served as the mayor pro tempore and council member for the city of Bowie from 2019 to 2022. He is also preparing to run for the U.S. House of Representatives in Maryland's 5th congressional district in the upcoming 2026 election.

Early life and career

Adrian Boafo was born on May 10, 1994, in Arlington, Virginia. His parents immigrated to the United States from Ghana in the 1980s, seeking better opportunities following the collapse of democratic political systems in their home country. Growing up in a family with immigrant roots, Boafo's early life was shaped by the values of resilience and community engagement.

Boafo completed his secondary education at DeMatha Catholic High School, graduating in 2012. He then pursued higher education at the University of Baltimore, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and public policy in 2016. While at the university, he demonstrated leadership skills by serving as the president of the student government and was also appointed vice president of undergraduate affairs on the University System of Maryland's student council.

Following his undergraduate studies, Boafo continued his education at American University, where he obtained a Master of Business Administration degree in 2019. His professional experience includes working as a press intern for U.S. Representative Xavier Becerra and serving as a national press assistant for U.S. Representative Ruben Kihuen. Boafo also held the position of campaign manager for House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer from 2018 to 2021, further solidifying his involvement in political processes.

In addition to his political roles, Boafo worked as a federal lobbyist for Oracle Corporation. His lobbying efforts have been documented in federal disclosures, although he has clarified that his focus was primarily on issues related to coding access and technological literacy in communities of color, rather than on specific corporate interests.

Legislative service

Adrian Boafo's political career began at the local level when he filed to run for the Bowie city council's District 3 seat on May 8, 2019. He successfully won the election on November 6, 2019, becoming the youngest mayor pro tempore in the city's history shortly thereafter. His tenure on the city council included various initiatives and votes that reflected his priorities for the community.

During his time in Bowie, Boafo was involved in several development initiatives. In May 2020, he voted to halt the construction of a new ice rink, opting instead for the development of an indoor courts facility. He also participated in discussions regarding public-private partnerships aimed at repairing and operating the city's ice rink, although he ultimately voted against canceling those proposals. In January 2021, he introduced a bill that provided residents with rebates for installing water filtration systems, which was unanimously passed by the City Council. His efforts in securing federal funding for local infrastructure improvements were also notable.

In addition to development projects, Boafo focused on community safety and policing. He included budget provisions to reimburse residents for outdoor security camera installations and collaborated with the Bowie Police Department to launch a rebate program for home security cameras. His engagement in social justice issues was evident when he attended a vigil in 2020 honoring victims of police violence.

Boafo announced his candidacy for the Maryland House of Delegates on February 25, 2022. His campaign received support from prominent figures, including House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. He participated in the Democratic primary on July 19, 2022, and subsequently won the election, being sworn into office on January 11, 2023. Since taking office, he has been a member of the Economic Matters Committee and served as a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, where he pledged support for Kamala Harris.

Policy focus and district

In the Maryland House of Delegates, Adrian Boafo has concentrated on various policy areas that reflect his commitment to education, electoral reform, and energy issues. In 2026, he introduced the Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, aimed at regulating students' use of personal electronic devices during school hours. This initiative underscores his focus on creating conducive learning environments for students.

Boafo has also expressed a desire to reform electoral processes. During his congressional campaign, he advocated for the repeal of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. FEC, which has been a contentious issue in American politics regarding campaign financing and corporate influence.

In the realm of energy policy, Boafo supported the RENEW Act, which sought to investigate the environmental impacts of fossil fuel companies. His congressional campaign also included proposals for establishing federal standards for data centers, reflecting his interest in addressing technological and environmental challenges.

As a representative of Maryland's 23rd district, Boafo's legislative efforts aim to address the needs and concerns of his constituents while promoting progressive policies. His background in local government and community engagement informs his approach to governance, as he seeks to balance the interests of his district with broader state and national issues. As he prepares for a potential congressional run, Boafo's political trajectory continues to evolve, positioning him as a notable figure in Maryland's political landscape.