About
Congressman Johnny “Johnny O” Olszewski, Jr. proudly serves Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District, encompassing much of Baltimore County, Carroll County, and key communities within Baltimore City. A lifelong Marylander deeply committed to public service, Congressman Olszewski brings a proven record of leadership, advocacy, and transformative governance to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Beginning his career as a dedicated public-school teacher, Congressman Olszewski swiftly rose through the ranks of Maryland politics. As a member of the Maryland House of Delegates for over nine years, he earned distinction as the youngest lawmaker ever to chair Baltimore County’s House delegation. His legislative legacy includes championing earned sick leave, spearheading a minimum wage increase, and casting a pivotal vote that secured marriage equality in Maryland—demonstrating his unwavering commitment to fairness for all families.
Twice elected Baltimore County Executive, Congressman Olszewski led Maryland’s third-largest jurisdiction with vision and fiscal responsibility, managing a $5 billion budget and more than 9,000 employees. Under his leadership, Baltimore County saw unprecedented investments in public education and the launch of near-universal free community college for residents—historic achievements that expanded opportunity and strengthened the local economy. His administration was renowned for pioneering transparent governance, instituting the county’s first public campaign finance system and Office of the Inspector General, and hosting groundbreaking budget town halls that empowered residents with unprecedented access to government decision-making. His decisive leadership during crises — including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse —earned widespread praise for its effectiveness and compassion.
Sworn into Congress in January 2025, Congressman Olszewski quickly earned the respect of his peers, securing a competitive seat on the influential Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. Serving on the Small Business and Foreign Affairs Committees, he tackles critical issues spanning from Main Street America to the furthest reaches of the globe. Congressman Olszewski is laser-focused on combating the cost-of-living crisis, expanding workforce development, enhancing education and housing access, and fiercely defending the foundations of American democracy.
A product of Maryland’s public schools and a first-generation college graduate, Congressman Olszewski holds a Bachelor’s degree from Goucher College, a Master’s from George Washington University, and a Ph.D. in public policy from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. He resides in eastern Baltimore County with his wife, Marisa, their daughter, Daria, and their beloved rescue dog, Yachty.