BALTIMORE — Longtime Democratic Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer is retiring, and will not seek reelection in 2026, he announced Thursday on the House Floor.
Since 1981 Hoyer has represented Maryland's fifth Congressional District which spans all of Charles, St. Mary's, and Calvert Counties, along with portions of Prince George's and Anne Arundel Counties. The District is generally considered a Democratic stronghold.
Throughout his decades long tenure, Hoyer at one time became the second highest ranking Democratic House member, serving under former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
86-year-old Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer expected to retire
Hoyer, 86, was being challenged in the upcoming Primary by 36-year-old Harry Jarin who built a campaign highlighting his opponent's age and "outdated" politics.
On his website, Jarin, who calls President Donald Trump a "fascist," notes how he was born during Hoyer's fifth term in Congress.
Nonetheless, Jarin on X, thanked Hoyer for his years of public service.
"I want to thank Steny Hoyer for his many decades of service to Maryland. At the height of his career, Hoyer was a fierce and staunch advocate for Marylanders in Congress," Jarin wrote. "His service deserves respect, and I acknowledge the role he played in shaping an earlier era of the Democratic Party."
Other current and former lawmakers praised Hoyer in offering their farewells:
“When I was serving with the Army in Afghanistan, a Maryland flag arrived at base camp from overseas. Inside was a note signed by Congressman Steny Hoyer," said Governor Wes Moore. "We had never met before. Still, he took the time to let me know he had my back–and that home was never too far away. It was the beginning of a lifelong friendship with a true Maryland Giant–someone who has dedicated his career to representing our communities with distinction, courage, integrity, and heart."
"His steady hand, moral clarity, and unmatched understanding of the institution has shaped not only the House of Representatives, but the lives of millions of Americans," said former Baltimore County Executive and current Congressman Johnny Olszewski.
“My career began with an internship in Leader Hoyer’s office, and there hasn’t been a day since I joined Congress that I haven’t seen Steny lead our delegation with fierce dedication," said current Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. "Leader Hoyer exemplifies the best of public service: diligence, collaboration, and tireless fight on behalf of his community."
"I want to salute Steny Hoyer for his extraordinary legacy of advocacy and accomplishments for Maryland. I served with Congressman Hoyer for a number of years and worked shoulder to shoulder with him for Team Maryland," said former U.S. Senator of Maryland, Barbara Mikulski. "Congressman Hoyer was a leader. He was an effective and unabashed advocate for his constituents. He knew the inside the corridors of power and was steadfast in his efforts to make it work for the people he represented and beyond."
“I do not exaggerate when I say Congressman Steny Hoyer changed my life," said sitting Maryland Senator Angela Alsobrooks. "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.’ And for those of you who know Steny, you know the weight his name carries in our state. When Steny is on your team, you win. I know that firsthand, and I know his constituents do as well."
"I had the privilege of serving with Steny in Congress, where I witnessed firsthand his tireless work on behalf of Maryland and the nation," said former Congressman and current Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown. "His personal commitment to service was evident when he visited me in Iraq in 2004—a gesture that meant more to me than words can express. In 2017, I accompanied him to Puerto Rico in the aftermath of the devastating Hurricanes Irma and Maria to assess the damage and fight for recovery resources our fellow Americans desperately needed. He was there to swear me into the 117th Congress."
"Congressman Steny Hoyer’s retirement marks the close of a truly extraordinary career in public service," said current Congressman Glenn Ivey. "From his early days in the Maryland State Senate and as President of the Senate in Annapolis to his decades of leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Hoyer has exemplified integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to the people of Maryland’s Fifth District."
