Representative Steny Hoyer, a veteran Democratic Party leader from Maryland and longtime ally of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, announced that he will retire from United States House of Representatives at the conclusion of his current term. The 86-year-old lawmaker delivered the announcement in remarks from the House floor, bringing to a close more than six decades in public service.
“I stand here now, after some 60 years in public service,” Hoyer said. “Mr. Speaker, I have decided not to seek another term in the People’s House.” He described the decision as difficult, emphasizing his deep respect for the institution and its constitutional role. Hoyer noted that the House was designed by the nation’s founders to represent the will of the American people and safeguard democratic governance. During his remarks, Hoyer also voiced concern about the current political climate in Congress. He urged lawmakers from both parties to reflect on their responsibilities under the Constitution and work to restore a spirit of cooperation and institutional responsibility.
Hoyer began his political career in the Maryland State Senate, serving from 1966 to 1979. He later served on the state’s Board for Higher Education before winning election to Congress in 1980. Since taking office in 1981, Hoyer steadily rose through the Democratic leadership ranks, serving as House Democratic whip from 2003 to 2007 and as House majority leader from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023. With 45 years in Congress, Hoyer is the longest-serving member of the House in Maryland’s history. Reflecting on his tenure, he said the legislative environment has changed significantly since he first arrived in Washington, recalling a period when bipartisan cooperation was more common. Meanwhile, a recent poll by the Napolitan News Service, conducted online by Scott Rasmussen with fieldwork from RMG Research, found Republicans holding a four-point advantage over Democrats on the generic congressional ballot ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The survey also explored voter enthusiasm, policy priorities, and demographic trends that could influence turnout.
