- Veteran Democrat Steny Hoyer retires from Congress.
- Announces no reelection bid this cycle.
- Long-serving Maryland representative steps down.
The Maryland lawmaker occasionally displayed traces of emotion as he finally disclosed his choice during a statement from the House floor on Thursday.
“We must respect and love one another. We must remember that we are not great or unique because we say we’re great, but because we are just, generous and fair,”
the 86-year-old said.
When he reflected on what led to his career in public service and more than 40 years in Congress, he recalled that hearing then-Sen. John F. Kennedy speak drastically changed his career trajectory, leading him to pursue studies in political science, a degree in law, and ultimately a job in government.
Hoyer spent more than ten years in the Maryland state Senate before pursuing his political aspirations in the US House. Hoyer served as the Popular Caucus president, the House Democratic scourge, and the deputy maturity scourge before being elected to Congress in a special election in 1981.
In former capacities, Hoyer showed a gift for guiding major legislation through concentrated alliances, similar to the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.
On Thursday, Hoyer bandied about his experiences in office, including both successes and failures, as well as the connections he made with people from other political parties.
Hoyer preferred traditional methods of negotiation; he remained close friends with prominent Republicans, such as former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, despite the inability of former Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and other party members to do so.
Hoyer, Pelosi's longtime deputy, participated in nearly every major Democratic law passed in recent years. After helping to pass former President Barack Obama's health care law, he helped the party navigate the wrath of voters after the 2010 midterms. After a Trump-fueled midterm in 2018, he helped Pelosi lead a split caucus through two historic impeachment votes as Democrats reclaimed power. He later backed Biden's enormous pandemic-era proposals.
Additionally, as a political centrist, he was crucial in bridging the divide between the battlefield egalitarians and the more progressive leadership suite. Additionally, he supports Israel, a stance that has recently been less contentious within his party.
“I did not want to be one of those members who clearly stayed, outstayed his or her ability to do the job,”
Hoyer, the third-longest-serving member of the House, told the Post.
The Democratic Party in the chamber had a generational shift in 2023 when Hoyer resigned from his position of leadership, along with Pelosi and Jim Clyburn, who resigned as speaker and majority whip, respectively.
“I think all of us have been around for some time and pretty much have a feel for the timing of decisions. And I think all three of us felt that this was the time,”
Hoyer told CNN’s Dana Bash at the time.
Which Maryland politicians might seek his endorsement next cycle?
Rep. Steny Hoyer's withdrawal from Maryland's 5th Congressional District opens a competitive Popular primary in 2026, drawing ambitious state politicians likely to seek his influential countersign given his decades bridging centrists and revolutionaries.
Governor Wes Moore( D), facing reelection, has ties to Hoyer via 2024 Senate campaigning alongside abettors like Angela Alsobrooks, but doubtful to jump federally; his counsels formed Unity First PAC supporting Egalitarians.
State Attorney General Anthony Brown, who succeeded Hoyer in leadership places and earned his once backing. Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks( recently tagged Senator), though Senate- bound, her network eyes the safe blue seat.