The longest-serving Democrat in Congress, Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), announced that he plans to retire.
Speaking to The Washington Post, Hoyer, 86, said, “I did not want to be one of those members who clearly stayed, outstayed his or her ability to do the job.”
Announcing his decision on the House floor on Thursday, Hoyer said, “Shakespeare advised us all this, above all else, to thine own self be true, and it must follow as night to day, thou canst not be false to any man or to any woman.” He noted, “In that vein, Mr. Speaker, I have decided not to seek another term in the People’s House.”
“I make this decision with sadness, for I love this House, an institution the framers designed to reflect the will of the American people and to serve as the guardian of their liberty and their democracy,” Hoyer added.
The Democrat served in Congress for more than 40 years.
Former chairman of the Democratic Party, Jaime Harrison, said Hoyer “stood out for his intellect, his charisma, and—most of all—the deep respect he showed every member.”
“He has been a party stalwart- serving in House Dem leadership from 1989 to 2023 and as the Parliamentarian for every DNC Convention since 2000,” he continued, expressing his “tremendous gratitude” for Hoyer.
Hoyer’s announcement comes as dozens of House members are not running for re-election or are retiring. According to Ballotpedia, 20 Democrats and 25 Republicans are not seeking re-election. Of these, 12 Democrats and 7 Republicans are retiring.
