From the Classroom to Public Service
John Anthony Olszewski Jr. was born and raised in Dundalk, a working-class community in eastern Baltimore County. His political journey began remarkably early; as a high school senior, he served as the student member on the Baltimore County Board of Education. The first in his family to graduate from college, he earned a bachelor's degree from Goucher College before obtaining a master's from George Washington University and a Ph.D. in public policy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). For seven years, Olszewski worked as a public school teacher, focusing on social studies and special education at Patapsco High School. His campaign materials often state that this firsthand experience witnessing the challenges faced by students
and families directly inspired him to run for public office.
A Rising Star in the Maryland House
In 2006, at just 24 years old, Olszewski was appointed to the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 6. He served for nearly nine years, building a reputation as a pragmatic progressive. During his tenure, he became the youngest lawmaker to ever chair Baltimore County's House delegation. His legislative record includes championing an increase in the minimum wage, pushing for earned sick leave, and casting a pivotal vote that helped secure marriage equality in Maryland. After an unsuccessful bid for the State Senate in 2014, he briefly worked in the private sector and for Baltimore City's Department of Transportation before re-entering the political arena.
Transformative Leadership in Baltimore County
In 2018, Olszewski was elected the 14th Baltimore County Executive after a narrow primary victory, becoming the youngest person to ever hold the office at age 36. He was re-elected in 2022. As executive of Maryland's third-largest jurisdiction, he managed a budget of over $5 billion and a workforce of more than 9,000 employees. His administration is noted for several key initiatives aimed at increasing government transparency and accountability. He established the county's first Office of the Inspector General and created a public campaign finance system, which voters approved in 2020. Policy highlights from his tenure include record investments in public school construction, raising teacher pay, and launching a near-universal free community college program for residents. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse earned him widespread praise.
A New Chapter in Congress
In 2024, Olszewski successfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, defeating Republican Kimberly Klacik to represent Maryland's 2nd Congressional District. He was sworn into office on January 3, 2025. In Washington, he secured assignments on the House Small Business and Foreign Affairs Committees. His stated priorities include lowering costs for families, expanding economic opportunity, and protecting democratic institutions. Colleagues in Washington have noted his reputation as a "work horse" rather than a "show horse," a label Olszewski himself embraces, citing his desire to find practical solutions to complex national issues. He has already been active in securing federal funds for community projects across his district.
