Steny Hoyer to retire after more than 40 years in the House

Steny Hoyer, 86, said he will not seek reelection after more than 40 years in the U.S. House and plans to announce his retirement in a floor speech, the Washington Post reported.

Steny Hoyer, an 86-year-old Democrat representing Maryland's 5th district, said he will not seek reelection, ending more than four decades in the U.S. House of Representatives. He plans to announce his retirement in a floor speech, the Washington Post reported. Hoyer first joined the House in May 1981 after serving more than a decade in the Maryland state senate, where he was president. He has held senior party roles in the House and experienced a mild stroke in 2024. Key details: - Hoyer will not seek reelection and intends to make a retirement announcement in a floor speech. - He is 86 years old and represents Maryland's 5th congressional district. - He began his House tenure in May 1981 and is one of 33 current or former members to serve 40 or more years. He is reported as the third-longest serving member behind Hal Rogers and Chris Smith. - Hoyer served as House Majority Leader under former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and as Minority Whip, roles responsible for party coordination in the chamber. - Before Congress, he served more than a decade in the Maryland state senate and held its presidency. - He suffered a mild stroke in 2024, which has been reported in coverage of his decision. Summary: Hoyer's decision ends a more than 40-year House career and removes a long-serving Democratic leader from congressional leadership ranks. He plans to deliver a floor speech to announce his retirement; further details about timing and successors are undetermined at this time.