Prince George’s County Council member Wala Blegay announces run for Congress

Prince George’s County, Maryland, lawmaker Wala Blegay announced Wednesday she’s running for Congress.

The at-large council member is vying for the 5th congressional district seat that will be open once Rep. Steny Hoyer retires at the end of his term. Hoyer is the longest-serving Democrat in Congress.

Blegay spoke to a crowd full of supporters at a church in Upper Marlboro Wednesday morning. County Executive Aisha Braveboy was among those who stood behind Blegay as she made her campaign announcement.

“I will say this, I’ve been fighting my entire career. I’ve been an advocate. And it comes to the question: How can I do more for my community? And I decided that this is the way,” she said.

Making health care more affordable and supporting federal workers and contractors are some of the issues Blegay said she plans to focus on during her campaign.

Wala Blegay is filling the Prince George’s County Council at-large council member seat, leaving the District 6 seat open. News4’s Dominique Moody reports.

Blegay has been on the council since 2022 for District 6. She was appointed as an at-large council member in December.

During her time on the council, Blegay has focused on health care access, workforce development and, more recently, potential data center development in the county.

“I continue to be a fighter. I got on the county council — and remember we started as the people’s council. And with the people’s council, we said we want people in the community to feel the support to feel the people working for them,” she said.

A number of council members came to the event to show support for her campaign, including Ed Borroughs, Tom Dernoga, Danielle Hunter, Shayla Adams-Stafford and Council Chair Crystal Oriadha.

Blegay started her career as a caseworker in Steny Hoyer’s office.

Hoyer has endorsed Maryland State Del. Adrian Boafo for his seat.

Blegay can stay on the council while running for Maryland’s 5th District, which includes southern Princes George’s County, parts of Anne Arundel County, Charles County and St. Mary’s County.

A primary election for the seat will be held on June 23. Whichever democratic candidate is chosen would likely win in the heavily blue district.