As Father’s Day approaches, kids across the country will make gifts, write cards and prepare to shower the patriarch or patriarchs of the family with love and care.
That goes for dads who are teachers, doctors, electricians, rideshare drivers and more. Even dads who are politicians.
It can be hard to remember that those elected to office are, first and foremost, people.
In Maryland, two nationally recognized politicians—Governor Wes Moore and U.S. Representative Johnny Olszewski—are preparing for their big day in June just like every other dad in the Old Line State.
Moore says that assuming the state’s highest elected office was not easy, but that having the support of his wife and children made it and continue to make it possible.
“No matter how many times you are told how hard this is before you become the governor, this is something no one is ever ready for,” he says. “Being James and Mia’s dad will always be my No. 1 priority, and nothing will ever change that. My wife Dawn and I are committed to our family and would do anything for our kids. It can be difficult with hectic schedules, but we both always find time to dedicate to our children.”
For Moore, that means “attending football games or recitals, movie nights at home, picking [the kids] up from school or attending sporting events together.”
Olszewski, who is known by most as “Johnny O,” is Maryland’s second congressional district’s representative in the House. He says that he doesn’t struggle with the public attention, but that it can be hard for his daughter.
“It’s not hard for me, but I do recognize it can be difficult for my daughter and other children in similar situations. I chose to pursue elected office and therefore accept the scrutiny and exposure that comes with it, but my daughter is also in the public eye without choosing to be,” he says.
Olszewski says that his daughter’s fortitude is what helps her get through the attention that comes with having a nationally known politician as a parent.
“I am lucky to be the father of an amazing kid, and she handles it exceptionally well, but I know it can be difficult for younger children,” he says. “I also work hard to be there for as many ‘regular’ dad things as possible, like getting on the school bus in the mornings and attending her soccer games.”
For Moore and his children— Mia (13) and James (11)—a perfect Father’s Day is simple: It’s spent at Camden Yards, watching the Orioles play.
“If the O’s aren’t in town, as long as I’m with [my kids], it will be a day well spent,” he says.
Olszewski says that his ideal Father’s Day would start with some time spent with the other dads in his life before he enjoyed time with his daughter, Daria, who is 9.
“The perfect day would start with a round of golf with my father and two brothers, followed by an afternoon on the Chesapeake Bay with my wife and daughter on our pontoon boat,” he says.
The best part of being a father, Olszewski says, is watching Daria grow into her own person.
“[I enjoy] helping [her] become the best version of herself by providing her with opportunities to pursue her passions and have a wide range of experiences,” he explains. “I love supporting her in all that she does and watching her grow and thrive.”
Moore says his children, who are eternally curious, always provide him with moments of pride and joy.
“Mia and James both are so curious and hungry to learn more about the world around them. Seeing the happiness on their face from learning something new brings me so much joy,” he says.
Both Olszewski and Moore are young and considered up-and-coming names in politics.
They each started locally and became so beloved by their constituents that they moved into larger roles.
Moore says that the life of a public figure is not an easy one, but that he and his family are navigating it together, and that makes it possible.
“My wife and I make sure to talk with our children during every step of this process and listen to their needs. We are proud that we have adjusted so well to this life as a family,” he says.
