POLITICS

Steny Hoyer to Retire from Congress After Four Decades of Service

Staff January 8, 2026

Maryland Representative Steny Hoyer, the former second-ranking House Democrat, announced his retirement from Congress, ending a distinguished career that began in 1981 and included two terms as House majority leader.

Featured image for: Steny Hoyer set to announce retirement from Congress The former second-ranking House Democrat has held his seat since 1981. 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. state legislators in that district that would be interesting candidates include Jeffrie Long Jr. — Maryland State Delegate, District 27B — Democratic Party Ballotpedia Brian M. Crosby — Maryland State Delegate, District 29B — Democratic Party Wikipedia C. T. Wilson — Maryland State Delegate, District 28 — Democratic Party

Maryland Representative Steny Hoyer, who has served in Congress since 1981 and held the position of House majority leader for two terms, is set to announce his retirement this Thursday, marking the end of a remarkable political career spanning over four decades.

Hoyer confirmed his decision in an interview with the Washington Post, following an initial report by POLITICO citing anonymous sources close to the matter. "I did not want to be one of those members who clearly stayed, outstayed his or her ability to do the job," Hoyer said, reflecting on his choice to step down.

Representing a district that stretches from the eastern suburbs of Washington, D.C., to southern Maryland, Hoyer has been a prominent figure in the House of Representatives, rising through the ranks to become the second-ranking Democrat under Speaker Nancy Pelosi. His tenure included pivotal roles in advancing key legislation, notably the Affordable Care Act.

Hoyer’s relationship with Pelosi has been a notable aspect of his political journey. The two congressional veterans, whose personal rivalry dates back to their days as interns in the 1960s, faced off in a 2001 leadership race that Pelosi won. Despite this early competition, they later forged a productive partnership leading the Democratic Caucus, combining Pelosi's progressive vision and fundraising capabilities with Hoyer's expertise in interpersonal relations and legislative strategy.

Known for his ability to navigate complex negotiations both within the Democratic Party and across the aisle, Hoyer was widely regarded as a masterful floor leader. After Democrats lost control of the House in 2022, he stepped down from his senior leadership role but remained active in Congress, taking on a senior position on the House Appropriations Committee.

At 86 years old, Hoyer is among the longest-serving members of the House, with only two Republicans—Hal Rogers of Kentucky and Chris Smith of New Jersey—having slightly longer tenures. His retirement follows a broader trend of senior Democrats either facing primary challenges from younger candidates or opting not to seek re-election. Notably, Nancy Pelosi announced in October her intention to retire at the end of her current term.

In his interview with the Washington Post, Hoyer spoke highly of Pelosi, describing her as "tough-as-nails" and acknowledging his own ambitions candidly: "Sure, I would have loved to have been speaker. Who wouldn’t love to be speaker? But they’re not deep regrets." His decision to retire is expected to open up a competitive primary in the deeply Democratic district.

One candidate, Harry Jarin, has already launched a primary campaign targeting Hoyer’s seat, explicitly highlighting concerns about Hoyer’s age. Additionally, several Maryland state legislators representing parts of the district are considered potential contenders. These include Jeffrie Long Jr., Maryland State Delegate for District 27B; Brian M. Crosby, Maryland State Delegate for District 29B; and C. T. Wilson, Maryland State Delegate for District 28, all Democrats with growing political profiles.

Hoyer’s departure will mark the conclusion of a significant era for Maryland’s congressional delegation and the House Democratic leadership. His seasoned experience and legislative accomplishments have left a lasting imprint on Congress, and the forthcoming election will be closely watched as new leadership emerges in the district.