WASHINGTON — Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer, one of the most influential Democrats in the modern House of Representatives, will announce his retirement Thursday, bringing an end to a congressional career that has spanned more than 40 years.
Hoyer, 86, confirmed his decision in an interview with The Washington Post, saying he did not want to remain in office beyond his ability to effectively serve.
“I did not want to be one of those members who clearly stayed, outstayed his or her ability to do the job,” Hoyer told the paper.
First elected in 1981, Hoyer rose to become the second-ranking House Democrat under former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, serving two four-year stints as House majority leader. In that role, he played a central part in shepherding landmark legislation through Congress, including the Affordable Care Act.
Hoyer represents a reliably Democratic district stretching from the eastern suburbs of Washington, D.C., to southern Maryland. Over decades in office, he became known for his deep relationships within the Democratic Caucus and his ability to work across party lines — a skill that made him a highly effective floor leader.
His relationship with Pelosi was famously complex. The two were rivals dating back to their days as congressional interns in the 1960s, and Pelosi defeated Hoyer in a high-profile leadership race in 2001. Despite that rivalry, they later formed a strong partnership at the top of House Democratic leadership.
While Pelosi was known for her progressive vision and fundraising prowess, Hoyer earned a reputation as a consensus builder and legislative tactician.
After Democrats lost control of the House in 2022, Hoyer stepped aside from leadership as part of a generational shift but remained in Congress, taking on a senior role on the House Appropriations Committee.
Only two current House members — Reps. Hal Rogers of Kentucky and Chris Smith of New Jersey — have served longer than Hoyer, and only by a matter of months.
His retirement comes amid a broader transition within the Democratic Party, as several longtime lawmakers face primary challenges from younger candidates or opt not to seek reelection. Pelosi announced last year that she plans to retire at the end of her term.
Hoyer praised Pelosi in his interview, calling her “tough-as-nails,” and reflected without bitterness on his own ambitions.
“Sure, I would have loved to have been speaker. Who wouldn’t love to be speaker?” he said. “But they’re not deep regrets.”
Hoyer’s departure is expected to spark a competitive primary for his deep-blue Maryland seat. One candidate, Harry Jarin, has already entered the race after launching a primary challenge earlier this year that focused on Hoyer’s age.
Jonathan Martin contributed to this report.
