Adrian Boafo
{{short description|American politician (born 1994)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Adrian Boafo
| image = File:Adrian Boafo Feb2023.jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Boafo in 2023
| state_delegate = Maryland
| district = 23rd
| term_start = January 11, 2023
| term_end =
| alongside = Marvin E. Holmes Jr. and Kym Taylor
| predecessor = Geraldine Valentino-Smith
| successor =
| constituency = Bowie, Maryland
| order2 = Mayor pro tempore of Bowie, Maryland
| term_start2 = November 18, 2019
| term_end2 = January 11, 2023
| predecessor2 = Henri Gardner
| successor2 = Roxy Ndebumadu
| birth_name = Adrian Boafo
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1994|5|10}}
| birth_place = Arlington, Virginia, U.S.
| party = Democratic
| spouse =
| children =
| residence = Bowie, Maryland, U.S.
| education = University of Baltimore (BA)
American University (MBA)
| alma_mater =
| occupation =
| profession =
| website = [https://www.adrianboafo.com/ Campaign website]
}}
Adrian A. Boafo (born May 10, 1994) is an American politician. He is a member of the Maryland House of Delegates for District 23 in Prince George's County, Maryland. He previously served as the Vice Mayor and District 3 council member for the City of Bowie from 2019 to 2022.{{cite web |title=Members – Delegate Adrian Boafo |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/Details/boafo01 |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=January 11, 2023 |date=January 11, 2023}}
Background
Boafo was born in Arlington, Virginia on May 10, 1994. His parents were immigrants from Ghana who migrated to the United States after the country's democratic political systems collapsed.
Boafo graduated from DeMatha Catholic High School in 2012. He later attended the University of Baltimore, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and public policy in 2016, and American University, where he received a Master of Business Administration degree in 2019. After graduating, Boafo worked as a national press assistant for U.S. Representative Ruben Kihuen. He later served as the campaign manager for House Majority leader Steny Hoyer from 2018 to 2021.{{cite news |last1=Pacella |first1=Rachael |title=Economic development, tech will be focus for incoming Bowie council |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/maryland/bowie/ac-cn-bowie-tech-development-20191114-liok2dwnufggtnytuzjn6trlca-story.html |access-date=August 3, 2022 |work=Capital Gazette |date=November 14, 2019}}
Bowie mayor pro-tempore
= Election =
Boafo filed to run for District 3 of the Bowie city council on May 8, 2019, challenging incumbent council member Darian Senn-Carter.{{cite news |last1=Pacella |first1=Rachael |title=First candidates file for election in Bowie |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/maryland/bowie/ac-cn-bowie-election-0508-story.html |access-date=August 3, 2022 |work=Capital Gazette |date=May 8, 2019}} Boafo won election to the Bowie city council on November 6, 2019, with 34.8 percent of the vote.{{cite news |last1=Pacella |first1=Rachael |title=Bowie to have new leadership in first black mayor, women return to the council |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/maryland/bowie/ac-cn-bowie-election-follow-20191106-pumn3fakmneufawntyxwyb5vdy-story.html |access-date=August 3, 2022 |work=Capital Gazette |date=November 6, 2019}} Soon after, the council selected him to serve as the city's youngest mayor pro tempore, succeeding at-large council member Henri Gardner.{{cite news |last1=Alfaro |first1=Carlos |title=Bowie swears in first African American mayor |url=https://www.thesentinel.com/communities/prince_george/news/local/bowie-swears-in-first-african-american-mayor/article_f3acca49-2a6d-5180-91ab-3d9d15266bcf.html |access-date=August 3, 2022 |work=PG Sentinel |date=November 22, 2019}} While working for the Bowie city council, Boafo also worked as a federal lobbyist for the Oracle Corporation.
= Tenure =
==Development initiatives==
In May 2020, Boafo voted to stop construction and cancel the city's contract to build a new ice rink, instead opting to build an indoor courts facility.{{cite news |last1=Pacella |first1=Rachael |title=Bowie City Council cancels new ice arena to instead build indoor basketball courts |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/maryland/bowie/ac-cn-bowie-ice-project-0519-20200519-fpo6slgxrnexxhecqjrs4ipdd4-story.html |access-date=August 3, 2022 |work=Capital Gazette |date=May 20, 2020}} In July 2020, Boafo voted against cancel public-private partnership proposals to repair and operate Bowie's city-operated ice rink. After the city council voted to reject the proposals, it created a task force for the amenity.{{cite news |last1=Pacella |first1=Rachael |title=Bowie council rejects public-private proposals, creates ice rink task force |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/maryland/bowie/ac-cn-bowie-ice-0708-20200708-oa3ffie4vrh5vmxqwzlimoh3u4-story.html |access-date=August 3, 2022 |work=Capital Gazette |date=July 8, 2020}} The task force unveiled its recommendations on January 19, 2021.{{cite news |last1=Conaway |first1=Donovan |title=Bowie Ice Arena Task Force unveils Ice Arena recommendations, includes HVAC renovation and a second sheet of ice |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/maryland/bowie/ac-cn-bowie-city-council-19012021-20210120-sswysjcunzd5pdi6geovhhkwrq-story.html |access-date=August 3, 2022 |work=Capital Gazette |date=January 19, 2021}}
In January 2021, Boafo voted against a bill to support a preliminary plan for the Bowie's Mill Branch Crossing development.{{cite news |last1=Conaway |first1=Donovan |title=After hours of discussion, Bowie council doesn't support or reject preliminary plan for hotel, multifamily development off U.S. 301 |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/maryland/bowie/ac-cn-bowie-city-council-142021-20210105-qgg2l67orff7zcq33pq4zhyv7e-story.html |access-date=August 3, 2022 |work=Capital Gazette |date=January 5, 2021}}
In June 2021, Boafo introduced a bill to provide city residents with a rebate of up to $50 to install a new water filtration system. The City Council unanimously voted to pass the initiative.{{cite news |last1=Conaway |first1=Donovan |title=Bowie council passes water rebate initiative; city offers $100 city employee COVID vaccine incentive |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/maryland/bowie/ac-cn-bowie-city-council-20210609-pt2jceyu4rduxllh3zpvcoidia-story.html |access-date=August 3, 2022 |work=Capital Gazette |date=June 9, 2021}} Later that month, the United States House Committee on Appropriations' Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee approved a $2 million request from the city to replace one mile of a tuberculated cast iron water main.{{cite news |last1=Conaway |first1=Donovan |title=Bowie's $2 million request to replace corroded cast iron water main approved by House subcommittee |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/maryland/bowie/ac-cn-bowie-replace-cast-iron-water-main-20210630-cbzntwd43rdoropypp7syyimju-story.html |access-date=August 3, 2022 |work=Capital Gazette |date=June 30, 2021}}
==Social issues==
In 2019, Boafo included a budget line item in the city's budget to reimburse Bowie residents for installing outdoor cameras. In November 2020, Boafo and the Bowie Police Department launched a program to provide rebates up to $50 for residents who purchase and install a home security camera.{{cite news |last1=Conaway |first1=Donovan |title=Bowie police announce security camera rebate program |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/maryland/bowie/ac-cn-rebate-camera-ring-20201126-lb7nkobzjneivdm2gycsfvblsu-story.html |access-date=August 3, 2022 |work=Capital Gazette |date=November 25, 2020}}
In June 2020, Boafo attended a vigil to honor George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor at Allen Pond Park in Bowie.{{cite news |last1=Pacella |first1=Rachael |title=Bowie holds vigil for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/maryland/bowie/ac-cn-bowie-vigil-0606-20200607-3gbowhdy7vdubdngobhrfpu2ly-story.html |access-date=August 3, 2022 |work=Capital Gazette |date=June 6, 2020}}
==Statewide politics==
In 2022, Boafo issued a statement asking for a correction from Bowie mayor Tim Adams after he included Boafo on his list of endorsements in the 2022 Maryland Comptroller election, saying that despite having a "great working relationship with Mayor Adams, there was no communication or confirmation in advance of the endorsement."{{cite news |last1=Leckrone |first1=Bennett |title=In Rocky Release, Adams Announces Endorsements in Comptroller Race |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/03/17/50-local-state-officials-back-adams-bid-for-comptroller/ |access-date=August 3, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 17, 2022}} Boafo later endorsed state delegate Brooke Lierman for Comptroller of Maryland.{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle |title=Adams, Lierman Describe Visions for Comptroller's Office at Tuesday Evening Forum |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/06/01/adams-lierman-describe-visions-for-comptrollers-office-at-tuesday-evening-forum/ |access-date=August 3, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=June 1, 2022}} He also endorsed author and former nonprofit CEO Wes Moore for Governor of Maryland.{{cite news |last1=Byrne |first1=Deirdre |last2=Hockaday |first2=Natalie |last3=Miller |first3=Larry |title=Prince George's County Executive makes surprise gubernatorial endorsement for Wes Moore |url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/wes-moore-recieves-major-endorsement-for-campaign/65-d5f4515f-e068-47fb-9f3c-a81c84f22e0a |access-date=August 3, 2022 |work=WUSA-TV |date=March 5, 2022}}
In the legislature
= Tenure =
File:Bill Hearing HB577 - 2 12 2025 (54324085430) (cropped).jpg
Boafo announced he would run for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 23 on February 25, 2022. His campaign was endorsed by House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle |last2=Kurtz |first2=Josh |title=Political Notes: Delegate Seeks Apology, Drama in District 23, a New Hoyer Foe, Harden's National Security Play, and More |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/02/25/political-notes-delegate-seeks-apology-drama-in-district-23-a-new-hoyer-foe-hardens-national-security-play-and-more/ |access-date=August 3, 2022 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 25, 2022}} He won the Democratic primary on July 19, 2022, placing second with 14.4 percent of the vote. Boafo was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 11, 2023.{{cite web |title=Adrian A. Boafo, Maryland State Delegate |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/msa18393.html |website=Maryland Manual On-Line |publisher=Maryland State Archives |access-date=August 6, 2023 |date=January 26, 2023}} He was a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, pledged to Kamala Harris.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Meet the Maryland delegates to the Democratic National Convention |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2024/07/22/meet-the-maryland-delegates-to-the-democratic-national-convention/ |access-date=July 22, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=July 22, 2024}}
In September 2024, Boafo established his own federal political action committee, GenBlue PAC, to endorse progressive candidates running for Congress.{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=William J. |last2=Kurtz |first2=Josh |title=Muñoz quits House, Huntley steps up to council, Boafo launches federal PAC, more moves |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2024/09/05/munoz-quits-house-huntley-steps-up-to-council-boafo-launches-federal-pac-more-moves/ |access-date=September 5, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=September 5, 2024}}
= Committee assignments =
- Economic Matters Committee, 2023–present{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Jones announces new Democratic caucus, committee leaders for 2023 General Assembly session |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/01/05/jones-announces-new-democratic-caucus-committee-leaders-for-2023-general-assembly-session/ |access-date=January 5, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 5, 2023}}
- Business Regulation Subcommittee of the Economic Matters Committee, 2023–present
- Workers' Compensation Subcommittee of the Economic Matters Committee, 2023–present
Political positions
In October 2024, on the one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, Boafo wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post in which he expressed support for the Jewish community and the Black-Jewish alliance. During the 2025 legislative session, Boafo introduced legislation to ban "masked intimidation", citing the use of face coverings among anti-Israel protesters to obscure their identity and cause disturbances.{{cite news |last1=Deutch |first1=Gabby |title=Black and Jewish legislators team up on anti-masking legislation in Maryland |url=https://jewishinsider.com/2025/02/black-and-jewish-legislators-team-up-on-anti-masking-legislation-in-maryland/ |access-date=February 16, 2025 |work=Jewish Insider |date=February 16, 2025}}
Electoral history
{{Election box begin no party no change |title=Bowie City Council District 3 election, 2019{{cite web |title=City of Bowie Unofficial Election Results 2019 |url=https://www.cityofbowie.org/DocumentCenter/View/9032/Detailed-2019-Election-Results-not-certified |website=cityofbowie.org |publisher=Bowie, Maryland |access-date=August 3, 2022 |date=November 6, 2019}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate no party no change
|candidate = Adrian Boafo
|votes = 713
|percentage = 34.8
}}{{Election box candidate no party no change
|candidate = Mike Byrd
|votes = 660
|percentage = 32.2
}}{{Election box candidate no party no change
|candidate = David Grogan
|votes = 331
|percentage = 16.2
}}{{Election box candidate no party no change
|candidate = Darian Senn-Carter (incumbent)
|votes = 193
|percentage = 9.4
}}{{Election box candidate no party no change
|candidate = Kevin Motley
|votes = 148
|percentage = 7.2
}}{{Election box write-in no party no change
|votes = 2
|percentage = 0.1
}}{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change |title=Maryland House of Delegates District 23 Democratic primary election, 2022{{cite web |title=2022 Gubernatorial Primary Election Results for House of Delegates |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2022/primary_results/gen_results_2022_7_30.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=August 3, 2022 |date=July 19, 2022}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Marvin E. Holmes, Jr. (incumbent)
|votes = 10,382
|percentage = 16.2
}}{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Adrian Boafo
|votes = 9,237
|percentage = 14.4
}}{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Kym Taylor
|votes = 8,957
|percentage = 14.0
}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Jocelyn Irene Collins
|votes = 8,938
|percentage = 13.9
}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Monica Roebuck
|votes = 7,609
|percentage = 11.9
}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Keenon James
|votes = 6,104
|percentage = 9.5
}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Remi Duyile
|votes = 3,888
|percentage = 6.1
}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Januari McKay
|votes = 3,784
|percentage = 5.9
}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Valeria Tomlin
|votes = 2,630
|percentage = 4.1
}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Jacqui Steele-McCall
|votes = 2,575
|percentage = 4.0
}}{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change |title=Maryland House of Delegates District 23 election, 2022{{cite web |title=2022 Gubernatorial General Election Results for House of Delegates |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2022/general_results/gen_results_2022_7_30.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=August 6, 2023 |date=December 7, 2022}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Marvin E. Holmes Jr.
|votes = 36,506
|percentage = 33.89
}}{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Kym Taylor
|votes = 36,399
|percentage = 33.80
}}{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Adrian Boafo
|votes = 33,843
|percentage = 31.42
}}{{Election box write-in with party link no change
|votes = 957
|percentage = 0.89
}}{{Election box end}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{cite web |title=Members – Delegate Adrian Boafo |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/Details/boafo01 |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=January 11, 2023 |date=January 11, 2023}}
{{Current members of the MD House of Delegates}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Boafo, Adrian}}
Category:21st-century African-American politicians
Category:African-American state legislators in Maryland
Category:American campaign managers
Category:American people of Ghanaian descent
Category:American University alumni
Category:Democratic Party members of the Maryland House of Delegates
Category:People from Bowie, Maryland
Category:University of Baltimore alumni
Category:Maryland city council members
Category:African-American city council members in Maryland
Category:Politicians from Prince George's County, Maryland
Category:United States congressional aides
Category:21st-century members of the Maryland General Assembly