Before his election to Congress in 2024, Johnny Olszewski, Jr. served as the popular and influential County Executive of Baltimore County.

He began his career in public service as a public school teacher before serving for two terms in the Maryland House of Delegates.

As County Executive, he focused on improving public education, making government more transparent and accountable, and fostering economic development.

He succeeds longtime Representative Dutch Ruppersberger, bringing a new generation of leadership to Maryland’s 2nd District.

“From the classroom to the county’s highest office and now to the halls of Congress, Johnny Olszewski’s career has been a steady climb driven by a deep commitment to local governance and community.”

Johnny Olszewski: A New Generation of Leadership for Maryland

Representative Johnny “Johnny O” Olszewski, Jr. brings a wealth of executive and legislative experience at the local and state level to his new role in Washington. His career has been defined by a hands-on, community-focused approach to governance, culminating in his successful 2024 election to represent Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District.

Olszewski’s roots are deeply planted in Baltimore County. He began his career in the classroom as a public school teacher, an experience that has profoundly shaped his policy priorities. He first entered elected office by winning a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates, where he served for two terms and focused on education and fiscal issues. After a narrow loss in a State Senate race, Olszewski pursued his Ph.D. in public policy, demonstrating a commitment to deeply understanding the mechanics of effective government.

His political comeback was significant. In 2018, he won a highly competitive primary to become the County Executive of Baltimore County, one of the largest and most diverse jurisdictions in the state. In this powerful executive role, he was responsible for managing a multi-billion dollar budget and a government that serves over 800,000 residents. As County Executive, he earned a reputation as a pragmatic and innovative leader, focusing on improving school infrastructure, increasing government transparency with new data-driven tools, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

After longtime Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger announced his retirement, Olszewski entered the race to succeed him. He ran on his strong record of executive leadership and his deep understanding of the district’s needs. Now in Congress, he is expected to be a key voice on issues of education, infrastructure, and economic development, bringing the practical experience of a former teacher and county executive to the national stage.

Sources Used

Ballotpedia Profile: https://ballotpedia.org/Johnny_Olszewski_Jr.

GovTrack.us Legislative Record: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/johnny_olszewski/456957

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