Johnny Olszewski

About Johnny O

Congressman Johnny “Johnny O” Olszewski, Jr. is a lifelong Marylander and proven leader who has proudly represented Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District since 2025. Guided by the working-class values he learned growing up in eastern Baltimore County, Johnny O is focused on the issues that matter most, like lowering costs for families, expanding economic opportunity, and protecting the foundations of American democracy.

Johnny O began his professional life as a public-school teacher, where he saw firsthand the challenges facing students and families. That experience shaped his service in the Maryland House of Delegates, where for more than nine years he fought for stronger schools, fair wages, and equal rights. As the youngest lawmaker ever to chair Baltimore County’s House delegation, he helped pass landmark progress — including earned sick leave, and an increase to the minimum wage. Olszewski was also a deciding vote for marriage equality.

As Baltimore County Executive, Johnny O brought transformative, transparent leadership to Maryland’s third-largest jurisdiction. In managing a $5 billion budget and a workforce of 9,000, he delivered historic investments in education, recreation, and parks; launched near-universal free community college; and maintained fiscal responsibility, affirmed by the highest (AAA) credit ratings available to local governments. He created the county’s first Office of the Inspector General, implemented public campaign financing, and opened government like never before through innovative budget town halls. In moments of crisis — from the COVID-19 pandemic to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse — Johnny O earned widespread praise for leading with steadiness, compassion, and results.

First elected to Congress in 2024, Johnny O hit the ground running. He quickly secured a competitive spot on the influential Democratic Steering and Policy Committee and serves on the House’s Small Business and Foreign Affairs Committees. In Washington, he is focused on affordability, expanding workforce and education pathways, increasing access to housing, and defending American democracy at home and abroad. And he’s earned a reputation as a skilled problem solver for constituents back home in the district.

Johnny O is a proud graduate of Baltimore County public schools and a first-generation college student. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Goucher College, a Master’s degree from George Washington University, and a Ph.D. in public policy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He lives in eastern Baltimore County with his wife, Marisa, their daughter, Daria, and their rescue dog, Yachty.