J6 Hero UNLEASHES Congressional Campaign Bid

A former Capitol Police officer who stared down rioters with nothing but his badge and backbone now wants to swap his uniform for a congressional seat, proving that defending democracy isn’t a one-day job.

Story Snapshot

Harry Dunn, who defended the Capitol during the January 6, 2021 attack, launched a bid for Congress in Maryland’s 3rd District
Dunn received the Presidential Citizens Medal and Congressional Gold Medal for his actions during the riot
He authored a New York Times bestselling memoir detailing his January 6 experience and testified before the House committee investigating the attack
His campaign positions itself as an extension of his oath to protect and serve, focusing on accountability and democratic integrity

From Beat Cop to Political Battleground

Harry Dunn joined the U.S. Capitol Police in 2008, spending over a decade handling everything from peaceful protests to suspicious packages. His specialty as a Crisis Intervention Officer and member of the Negotiation Team prepared him for tense situations, but nothing readied him for January 6, 2021. That day transformed a career officer into a national figure, thrusting him from routine perimeter security into the white-hot center of American political dysfunction. His transition from protecting lawmakers to potentially becoming one represents an unusual trajectory in American politics.

The Day Everything Changed

Dunn faced a mob attempting to halt election certification, enduring physical attacks and racial epithets while rioters claimed presidential authorization for their actions. The lack of warning and adequate equipment left officers vulnerable during what became an unprecedented assault on democratic process. His firsthand testimony revealed rioters shouting “the president said we could,” a claim that continues to haunt discussions about leadership accountability. The experience left psychological scars that Dunn openly discusses, advocating for mental health support for law enforcement facing similar trauma.

Building Credibility Through Visibility

President Biden awarded Dunn the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second-highest civilian honor, cementing his status as a January 6 hero. His October 2022 memoir, “Standing My Ground,” became a bestseller, providing detailed accounts of the riot’s chaos and aftermath. Congressional testimony before the House January 6 committee amplified his voice beyond law enforcement circles into mainstream political discourse. These platforms transformed Dunn from anonymous officer to recognized advocate, creating a foundation for his congressional ambitions in Maryland’s Democratic-leaning 3rd District.

A Campaign Rooted in Service

Dunn frames his candidacy as a continuation of his protection oath rather than a career pivot, targeting voters seeking security-focused leadership in the Baltimore-Washington suburbs. His campaign emphasizes accountability for those who threatened democratic processes, challenging election denialism with the authority of someone who physically defended the Capitol. The messaging resonates with communities concerned about political violence normalization and democratic erosion. His background as a James Madison University graduate with a health science degree adds policy dimension beyond his law enforcement credentials.

The Long Shadow of January 6

Five years after the attack, Dunn continues speaking about the riot’s lasting impacts, particularly regarding officer PTSD and the ongoing threat to democratic institutions. His reflections on watching rioter trial videos and witnessing continued political tensions demonstrate that January 6 remains an open wound rather than historical footnote. The scars extend beyond personal trauma to broader questions about law enforcement preparedness and leadership failures that left officers vulnerable. Dunn’s persistent advocacy keeps accountability conversations alive as political memory fades, a role his congressional bid would formalize.

NEW: Jan 6 police responder Harry Dunn is running for Congress in Maryland. https://t.co/ji4CjGQC9A

— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) February 4, 2026

The absence of detailed campaign updates or election outcomes in available information suggests either ongoing candidacy or incomplete coverage, though his speaking engagements and media appearances indicate sustained political engagement. His alliance with Democratic figures like Representative Jamie Raskin, who praised his “remarkable courage,” positions him within partisan frameworks that could both energize supporters and limit crossover appeal. Whether voters in Maryland’s 3rd District embrace a candidate whose defining credential is one horrific day remains the ultimate test of his political viability. His journey from defending Congress to joining it offers a stark reminder that sometimes those who protect institutions understand their fragility better than those who inhabit them.