Steny Hoyer, MD's Longest-Serving Member Of Congress, To Retire

Steny Hoyer, Maryland's longest-serving member of Congress whose political career has spanned nearly six decades, announced his retirement on Thursday after confirming his plans to The Washington Post.

Hoyer has represented Maryland's 5th District, which includes Charles, St. Mary's, and Calvert counties, as well as portions of Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties, since 1981. He is also the third-longest-serving member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

"I have decided not to seek another term in the People's House," Hoyer said in a statement shared on X. "Representing the people of Maryland's Fifth District has been my great privilege and sacred responsibility for 45 years. Thank you for electing me as your Congressman 23 times."

Before his announcement, Hoyer told The Post he reached the decision over the holidays with his family.

"I did not want to be one of those members who clearly stayed, outstayed his or her ability to do the job,” Hoyer said.

At 86, Hoyer is the latest in a generation of senior-most leaders stepping aside, making way for a new era of lawmakers eager to take on governing. Retirements have been high in the two major political parties, Democrats and Republicans, ahead of the midterm elections in November that will determine control of Congress.

First arriving in the House after a special election, Hoyer's reach extended beyond his Chesapeake Bay-area district, and he quickly climbed the leadership ranks to become the No. 2 Democrat. He served as majority leader after Democrats swept to power after the 2006 election and again in 2019 after they regained control during President Donald Trump's first term.

Through those years Hoyer worked as a partner and sometimes rival to then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi, part of a trio of top Democrats alongside Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina.

That was the era when Democrats, with President Barack Obama, ushered the Affordable Care Act and other signature legislation to law.

During the Trump era, as Democrats worked to win back House control, Hoyer campaigned to court blue-collar voters outside of party strongholds and positioned himself as a potential alternative to Pelosi. For years, Hoyer championed what he called his “Make it in America” agenda to boost industry, production and jobs.

But the leaders have often moved in tandem, and when Pelosi announced last fall she would end her own storied career after this term, Hoyer's next step was widely watched.

Hoyer's decades in politics began as an undergraduate at the University of Maryland, where he attended a campus rally for Sen. John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign in 1960, according to The Post.

In 1962, Hoyer joined the staff of then-U.S. Rep. Daniel Brewster. A year later, he joined the staff of U.S. Sen. Daniel Brewster.

In 1966, Hoyer won a newly created seat in the Maryland State Senate, representing Prince George's County. In 1975, he was elected president of the Maryland State Senate, the youngest in state history.

Several Maryland leaders reacted to the news of Hoyer's retirement, with some calling him a "consummate statesman" and "savvy policymaker."

“I do not exaggerate when I say Congressman Steny Hoyer changed my life," U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks said in a statement. "It was Steny who first planted the seed in my mind that I could run for federal office. It was Steny who told me, ‘Any ballot you put your name on, I will be right there with you.’"

She continued, "Like many, I am sad to see a dear friend and colleague leave these halls."

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown recounted his time serving with Hoyer in Congress.

"He has always led with integrity and an unwavering belief that government can, and should, improve people's lives," Brown said. "Maryland is stronger because of his service, and I'm deeply grateful for his mentorship, friendship and principled leadership.”

Other reactions included:

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore: "Marylanders love Steny Hoyer because he saw us first. When others looked away. When many felt left behind. Leader Hoyer always saw us. We are grateful for his service and wish him all the best in this next chapter.”

U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland): "Listening to Steny Hoyer's remarks on the floor of the House this morning was a reminder of how much we will miss his voice in Congress after he retires. Steny has been both a leader of our party and a leader of our federal delegation. He is one of our state’s staunchest defenders and our party’s strongest fighters. It’s been an honor to serve with him, to work together for Marylanders and our nation."

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Virginia): "Steny Hoyer has spent a lifetime serving with decency, seriousness, and heart. I’ve been grateful to work alongside him over the years — except maybe those times when we found ourselves on opposite sides of the Maryland vs. Virginia line, because no matter what, he was always a ferocious fighter for his state. Will be wishing him all the best in retirement."

U.S. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts): "It was an honor to serve alongside Steny Hoyer in the House as he fought fiercely for Maryland and for working people across our country. A proud defender of health care and Social Security, a champion for disability rights, and a dedicated public servant. Thank you, Steny, for your remarkable leadership and legacy of service for the American people."

The Associated Press contributed reporting