Steny Hoyer set to announce retirement from Congress

Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer will announce his retirement from Congress Thursday, capping off a decades-long career that culminated in two four-year stints as House majority leader where he played a key part in passing major bills including the Affordable Care Act.

Hoyer confirmed the news in an interview with the Washington Post that was published shortly after POLITICO's initial report, which cited two people granted anonymity to confirm the news ahead of a public announcement.

“I did not want to be one of those members who clearly stayed, outstayed his or her ability to do the job," he told the Post.

Hoyer, who represents a district stretching from the eastern Washington suburbs to southern Maryland, has served in Congress since 1981, rising up through the ranks to become the second-ranking House Democrat under Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The two leaders were known for their personal rivalry dating back to their days as congressional interns in the 1960s, but after Pelosi defeated Hoyer in a 2001 leadership race they ultimately formed an effective partnership atop the Democratic Caucus.

While Pelosi was known for her progressive views and strong fundraising, Hoyer was a master of interpersonal relations — both among fellow Democrats and across the aisle — making him a highly effective floor leader.

He stepped aside from his senior role after Democrats lost the House in 2022 as part of a broader changing of the guard but remained in Congress, retaking a senior post on the House Appropriations Committee.

Only two sitting House members — GOP Reps. Hal Rogers of Kentucky and Chris Smith of New Jersey — have served longer than Hoyer, and only by a few months.

Now 86, Hoyer remained circumspect about his plans to run for re-election. The decision comes as numerous senior Democrats are facing primaries from younger candidates or choosing not to run for reelection. Pelosi announced in October she plans to retire at the end of her term.

Hoyer praised Pelosi, whom he lost a leadership contest to in 2001, in the Post interview as "tough-as-nails."

“Sure, I would have loved to have been speaker. Who wouldn’t love to be speaker? But they’re not deep regrets,” he said.

His decision to step aside is likely to create a free-for-all for the deep-blue seat. One candidate, Harry Jarin, is already in the race after launching a primary in May that specifically targeted Hoyer’s age.

Jonathan Martin contributed to this report.