MARYLAND — As the June 23rd Democratic primary for Maryland’s 5th Congressional District heats up, progressive advocacy group Progressive Maryland has launched an unusual campaign tactic: a $1,000 cash prize dance challenge called the #AIPACAdrian Dance Challenge — and it’s already turning heads across social media.
The contest, which kicked off Thursday, June 18th at 6:00 PM EST, invites community members to post an original dance video on TikTok, Instagram Reels, Facebook, or YouTube Shorts using the group’s official challenge song, tagging @ProgressiveMaryland, and using the hashtag #AIPACADRIAN. The submission window closes Sunday, June 21st at midnight EST, with the winner to be announced on or around June 23rd — the same day as the primary election.
What’s Behind the Name?
The contest title is a direct political shot at state Del. Adrian Boafo, the AIPAC-backed candidate running for Steny Hoyer’s open congressional seat in Maryland’s 5th District. AIPAC’s super PAC, United Democracy Project, has poured over $1 million into ads and mailers supporting Boafo, while a pro-crypto super PAC, Protect Progress, has spent over $3 million in the race. Together, outside groups have reportedly directed more than $7.6 million into the contest as of this week.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen publicly called out the spending earlier this month, stating voters must understand that AIPAC and affiliated groups “are spending because they believe the beneficiary of their spending will be a dependable vote in support of their special interests.”
Progressive Maryland’s dance challenge leans directly into that criticism with tongue-in-cheek messaging: “Can you crip walk for crypto? Can you samba for super PACs?” — a satirical nod to what critics say is Boafo’s evasiveness when questioned about his major donors’ influence.
How to Enter
Entering the contest is free — no purchase, donation, or membership required. Here’s what participants need to do:
- Film an original dance video using the official challenge song (available on Progressive Maryland’s social media pages)
- Post the video publicly on TikTok, Instagram Reels, Facebook, YouTube Shorts, or another approved platform
- Tag @ProgressiveMaryland in the post
- Use the hashtag #AIPACADRIAN
- Keep the post public until the winner is announced
- Submit before June 21st at midnight EST
Group entries are welcome. If a group wins, the $1,000 prize is awarded to the designated contact person, and the group decides how to split it.
How Winners Are Judged
The contest is not a popularity contest — the most-viewed video does not automatically win. Progressive Maryland will judge entries on a weighted rubric:
| Criteria | Weight |
|---|---|
| Creativity and originality | 30% |
| Dance performance, movement, or choreography | 25% |
| Energy, personality, and entertainment value | 20% |
| Connection to the song and challenge theme | 15% |
| Overall impact and shareability | 10% |
Social media engagement may factor into the “overall impact” category, but Progressive Maryland retains full discretion over the final selection.
The Prize
One winner takes home a $1,000 grand prize, awarded by check or electronic payment. The winner must respond to Progressive Maryland’s notification within 72 hours, and may be required to confirm eligibility, provide payment information, and sign a prize acknowledgment form. Winners are responsible for any applicable taxes.
The Political Context
Progressive Maryland, based in Lanham and operating as a multi-racial, working-class political organization, has been among the most vocal opponents of outside money in the MD-5 race. The group has run ads, organized community events, and now launched this viral campaign to draw public attention to what they describe as a race being bought by special interests — with a dance break.
The primary on June 23rd features Boafo alongside more than 20 other Democratic candidates, including Prince George’s County Council Member At-Large Wala Blegay, former Jan. 6th officer Harry Dunn, volunteer firefighter Harry Jarin. Progressive Maryland has backed alternative candidates and framed the race as a test of whether grassroots organizing can outlast super PAC money.
Whether it’s a moonwalk, a samba, or the clip walk — Progressive Maryland wants to see your best moves before midnight Sunday.
For full contest rules, visit www.progressivemaryland.org. Questions can be directed to christianne@progressivemaryland.org.
TANTV News covers the DMV region with a focus on civic accountability, local elections, and community engagement.
