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3w ago

Steny Hoyer, Longest-Serving House Democrat, Announces Retirement

His exit sets up an open Democratic primary in Maryland’s 5th District.

U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer (D-MD) speaks with the media as he walks to a democratic caucus meeting to nominate their own candidate for the next Speaker of the House, after Kevin McCarthy was ousted as Speaker, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., October 10, 2023. REUTERS/Leah Millis
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U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer speaking during the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Policy Conference in Washington, DC on March 24, 2019. (Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Overview

  • In a Jan. 8 House floor speech, the 86-year-old said he will not seek another term and voiced concern about rising partisanship.
  • Hoyer has served since 1981 and rose to top leadership roles, including two stints as House majority leader and service as minority whip.
  • He said he did not want to outstay his ability to serve effectively, with reporting also noting he experienced a mild stroke in 2024.
  • The deep-blue seat now draws a crowded primary field, with Democrats including Quincy Bareebe, Harry Jarin, Alexis Solis, Terry Jackson and Heather Luper already filed.
  • His departure highlights broader generational turnover in House Democratic ranks, drawing bipartisan tributes from colleagues and former leaders.