ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Harry Dunn, a former police officer who defended the U.S. Capitol against rioters on Jan. 6, 2021, is running in a crowded Maryland Democratic primary along with several state legislators including state Sen. Sarah Elfreth in a competitive race for an open seat in Congress.

Dunn’s celebrity has helped draw national attention to the 22-candidate primary to replace outgoing Rep. John Sarbanes. The Democrat announced in October he would not seek a 10th term.

Supporters in the heavily Democratic 3rd Congressional District that runs between Baltimore and the nation’s capital praise Dunn as a defender of democracy. He testified at a hearing of the House committee that probed the Jan. 6 attack at the Capitol.

“It took a lot of guts for him to do what he did,” said Cathy Dixon, who has hosted Dunn at her home with other supporters in Severna Park. “He’s a brave person, and that’s what we need, brave people.”