{ "id": "ep2ye1zd95", "slug": "johnny-olszewski", "title": "Johnny Olszewski", "updated": "2026-10-12", "topic_path": [ { "id": "society", "label": "Society and history", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/society" }, { "id": "society.politics", "label": "Politics and government", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/society.politics" }, { "id": "society.politics.institutions", "label": "Government and public administration", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/society.politics.institutions" }, { "id": "society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders", "label": "Politicians and government officeholders (biographies)", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders" }, { "id": "society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members", "label": "US House members", "api_url": 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"geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders", "label": "Politicians and government officeholders (biographies)", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members", "label": "US House members", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members.southern-state-representatives", "label": "Southern state representatives", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members.southern-state-representatives" }, { "id": "geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members.southern-state-representatives.alpha-k-to-r", "label": "Surnames K to R", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t2021.society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members.southern-state-representatives.alpha-k-to-r" } ] } ], "excerpt": "Johnny Olszewski, Jr. is an American Democratic politician and former public-school teacher who served as Baltimore County Executive before becoming U.S. Representative for Maryland's 2nd congressional district in 2025.", "snippet": "Johnny Olszewski, Jr. is an American Democratic politician and former public-school teacher who served as Baltimore County Executive before becoming U.S. Representative for Maryland's 2nd congressional district in 2025.", "node": "society.politics.institutions.politicians_and_officeholders.us-house-members.southern-state-representatives.alpha-k-to-r", "markdown": "# Johnny Olszewski\n\nJohnny Olszewski, Jr. (born 1982) is an American politician and Democrat who has served as the U.S. Representative for Maryland's 2nd congressional district since 2025.[1](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/O000176) He is the Democratic nominee for the seat in the 2026 election.[1](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/O000176) A former public-school teacher, he previously served in the Maryland House of Delegates and was twice elected Baltimore County Executive.[2](https://olszewski.house.gov/)\n\n| Fact | Detail |\n|---|---|\n| Party | Democrat[1](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/O000176) |\n| Current office | U.S. Representative, Maryland's 2nd district (since 2025)[1](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/O000176) |\n| Previous offices | Maryland House of Delegates; Baltimore County Executive[2](https://olszewski.house.gov/) |\n| Born | 1982[1](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/O000176) |\n| Education | B.A., Goucher College; M.A., George Washington University; Ph.D. in public policy, University of Maryland, Baltimore County[3](https://gojohnnyo.com/) |\n\n## Party affiliation\n\nOlszewski is a Democrat and has served in Congress as a member of the Democratic Party since January 3, 2025.[1](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/O000176)\n\n## Early life and education\n\nOlszewski grew up in eastern [Baltimore County](https://www.edgepedia.org/baltimore-county) and describes himself as guided by the working-class values he learned there.[3](https://gojohnnyo.com/) He is a proud graduate of Baltimore County public schools and a first-generation college student.[3](https://gojohnnyo.com/) He holds a [Bachelor's degree](https://www.edgepedia.org/bachelors-degree) from Goucher College, a [Master's degree](https://www.edgepedia.org/masters-degree) from George Washington University, and a Ph.D. in public policy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.[3](https://gojohnnyo.com/) He began his professional life as a public-school teacher.[3](https://gojohnnyo.com/)\n\n## Career\n\nOlszewski served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2006 to 2015, where, as the youngest lawmaker ever to chair Baltimore County's House delegation, his campaign says he helped pass earned sick leave and an increase to the minimum wage.[3](https://gojohnnyo.com/) He was twice elected Baltimore County Executive, leading Maryland's third-largest jurisdiction and managing a $5 billion budget and a workforce of 9,000.[2](https://olszewski.house.gov/) His campaign site says that in that role he launched near-universal free community college, created the county's first Office of the Inspector General, and implemented public campaign financing.[3](https://gojohnnyo.com/) He was first elected to Congress in 2024 and took office on January 3, 2025.[1](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/O000176) • [3](https://gojohnnyo.com/) He serves on the House Small Business and Foreign Affairs Committees.[3](https://gojohnnyo.com/)\n\n## Electoral history\n\n- 2024, U.S. House, Maryland's 2nd district: elected.[1](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/O000176)\n- 2026, U.S. House, Maryland's 2nd district: Democratic nominee.[1](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/O000176)\n\n## Issues specific to Olszewski\n\nIn his first year in office, Olszewski secured funding for 14 community projects spanning Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Carroll County, supporting public safety, education, workforce development, water infrastructure, transportation, and community services, and returned more than $2.9 million from federal agencies directly to constituents of the district.[2](https://olszewski.house.gov/) He joined other Maryland delegation members in pressing the USDA and U.S. Forest Service to keep the Baltimore Urban Forestry Office in Baltimore.[2](https://olszewski.house.gov/) After President Trump barred CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO from the White House and confiscated the press credentials of their journalists, Olszewski issued a statement calling the action \"Outrageous and Unconstitutional\".[2](https://olszewski.house.gov/) Two bipartisan bills he authored to strengthen America's diplomatic workforce passed the U.S. House.[2](https://olszewski.house.gov/) His official site says he is working to defend Maryland's federal workforce and invites those affected by the new Administration's actions to share their stories with his office.[2](https://olszewski.house.gov/)\n\n## Positions and voting record\n\n### Immigration\n\nOlszewski voted against the [Laken Riley Act](https://www.edgepedia.org/laken-riley-act) (S. 5) on January 22, 2025; the bill passed 263 to 156.[4](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190022) The act requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain certain non-U.S. nationals arrested for specified crimes, including burglary, theft, and assault of a law enforcement officer, and authorizes states to sue the federal government over immigration enforcement decisions.[4](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190022)\n\n### Elections\n\nOlszewski voted against the SAVE Act (H.R. 22) on April 10, 2025; the bill passed 220 to 208.[5](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190101) The bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.[5](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190101)\n\n### Taxes and budget\n\nOlszewski voted against H.R. 1, the [One Big Beautiful Bill Act](https://www.edgepedia.org/one-big-beautiful-bill-act), on May 22, 2025 (215 to 214) and against final concurrence in the Senate amendment on July 3, 2025 (218 to 214).[6](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190144) • [7](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190189) The act reduces taxes, changes spending for various federal programs, and increases the statutory debt limit.[6](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190144) He also voted against the [Rescissions Act of 2025](https://www.edgepedia.org/rescissions-act-of-2025) on June 12, 2025 (214 to 212), which rescinded specified unobligated funds provided to the Department of State, USAID, and the [Corporation for Public Broadcasting](https://www.edgepedia.org/corporation-for-public-broadcasting), among others.[8](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190167) He voted against the Secure America Act (S. 2) on June 9, 2026 (214 to 212), which provides $70 billion in funding to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and related agencies.[9](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190574)\n\n### Government funding\n\nOlszewski voted against H.R. 5371 on November 12, 2025 (222 to 209), which ended the government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, by providing FY2026 continuing appropriations through January 30, 2026.[10](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190284) He also voted against the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) on February 3, 2026 (217 to 214), which provided appropriations for the remainder of FY2026.[11](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190413)\n\n### Foreign policy and defense\n\nOlszewski voted for the Ukraine Support Act (H.R. 2913) on June 4, 2026; the bill passed 226 to 195.[12](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190567) The bill provides assistance to Ukraine and certain European countries and establishes penalties for Russia and certain foreign persons.[12](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190567) He voted against the [National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027](https://www.edgepedia.org/national-defense-authorization-act-for-fiscal-year-2027) (H.R. 8800) on July 22, 2026 (216 to 212), which sets policies and authorities for Department of Defense programs for FY2027.[13](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190638)\n\n### Finance\n\nOlszewski voted for the GENIUS Act (S. 1582) on July 17, 2025; the bill passed 308 to 122.[14](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190199) The act establishes a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, under which only permitted issuers may issue a payment stablecoin for use by U.S. persons.[14](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190199)\n\n## Other recorded votes\n\n| Date | Measure | Vote | Tally | Result |\n|---|---|---|---|---|\n| 2025-12-17 | Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act (H.R. 6703)[15](https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6703) | No | 216 to 211 | Passed[16](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190348) |\n\n## References\n\n1. [Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Olszewski, Johnny, Jr.](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/O000176)\n2. [Official page of Rep. Johnny Olszewski](https://olszewski.house.gov/)\n3. [Johnny Olszewski campaign website](https://gojohnnyo.com/)\n4. [House Roll Call Vote 119-0022, Laken Riley Act](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190022)\n5. [House Roll Call Vote 119-0101, SAVE Act](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190101)\n6. [House Roll Call Vote 119-0144, H.R. 1](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190144)\n7. [House Roll Call Vote 119-0189, H.R. 1](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190189)\n8. [House Roll Call Vote 119-0167, Rescissions Act of 2025](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190167)\n9. [House Roll Call Vote 119-0574, Secure America Act](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190574)\n10. [House Roll Call Vote 119-0284, H.R. 5371](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190284)\n11. [House Roll Call Vote 119-0413, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190413)\n12. [House Roll Call Vote 119-0567, Ukraine Support Act](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190567)\n13. [House Roll Call Vote 119-0638, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190638)\n14. [House Roll Call Vote 119-0199, GENIUS Act](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190199)\n15. [https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6703](https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6703)\n16. [House Roll Call Vote 119-0348, Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act](https://voteview.com/rollcall/RH1190348)\n\n---\n*Topic: Encyclopedia › Society and history › Politics and government › Government and public administration › Politicians and government officeholders (biographies) › US House members › Southern state representatives › Surnames K to R*\n\n*Initially written Sep 27, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 29, 2026 · Edited: Sep 29, 2026; Oct 12, 2026 · Last review: Sep 29, 2026*\n\n*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*\n\nLicense: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license\n", "same_as": [], "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/johnny-olszewski", "markdown_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/johnny-olszewski.md", "license": { "name": "Edgepedia Community License 1.0", "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license", "summary": "Free with credit, commercial use included. AI training is open to everyone. For other uses, organizations over USD 100M in revenue or 100M monthly users license separately.", "spdx": "LicenseRef-Edgepedia-Community-1.0" }, "credit": "\"Johnny Olszewski\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/johnny-olszewski. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "credit_md": "\"[Johnny Olszewski](https://www.edgepedia.org/johnny-olszewski)\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), [https://www.edgepedia.org/johnny-olszewski](https://www.edgepedia.org/johnny-olszewski). [Edgepedia Community License 1.0](https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license).", "credit_html": "\"Johnny Olszewski\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/johnny-olszewski. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "speakable": "Johnny Olszewski, Jr. is an American Democratic politician and former public-school teacher who served as Baltimore County Executive before becoming U.S. Representative for Maryland's 2nd congressional district in 2025." }