Rep. Steny Hoyer, 86, will not seek re-election, ending a House career that began in May 1981. He plans to announce his retirement in a floor speech on Thursday after suffering a mild stroke in 2024. Hoyer served as House Majority Leader under Nancy Pelosi and as Minority Whip, and is the chamber's third-longest-serving member. He previously held leadership roles in Maryland state government.
Rep. Steny Hoyer, 86, to Retire After More Than 40 Years in the U.S. House — Will Announce on House Floor
U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer (D-MD) speaks with the media as he walks to a democratic caucus meeting to nominate their own candidate for the next Speaker of the House, after Kevin McCarthy was ousted as Speaker, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., October 10, 2023. REUTERS/Leah Millis
Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer, 86, told The Washington Post he will not seek re-election, bringing to a close a House career that stretches back to a special-election win in May 1981. Hoyer plans to make a formal announcement on the House floor on Thursday, the Post reported.
Health and decision: Hoyer, who suffered a mild stroke in 2024, said he did not want to be “one of those members who clearly stayed, outstayed his or her ability to do the job.” That concern, along with his long tenure, informed his decision to step down.
Long Career and Leadership
Hoyer first took office in May 1981 and is the chamber's third-longest-serving member, behind Republican Representatives Hal Rogers and Chris Smith, who both began their congressional service in January 1981. He is one of roughly 33 current or former members of the House to have served 40 or more years.
Over decades in Washington, Hoyer held senior roles in Democratic leadership, serving as House Majority Leader under former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and as Minority Whip, where he coordinated the party's votes on major legislation.
Earlier Service
Before joining Congress, Hoyer spent more than a decade in Maryland state government, including leadership roles in the state senate, before winning election to the U.S. House in 1981.
“Sure, I would have loved to have been speaker. Who wouldn’t love to be speaker? But they’re not deep regrets,” Hoyer told The Washington Post, reflecting on his long career in the House.
Reporting for this story was by Jasper Ward in Washington.
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