Democrat Ben Cardin Won't Seek Re-Election To Senate In 2024

MARYLAND — Maryland senior senator. Ben Cardin, a Democrat, will not run for re-election in 2024, opening up a key seat in the U.S. Senate to a bid by Democratic candidates, and possibly former Republication Gov. Larry Hogan, according to media reports.

Cardin's office released a video made with his wife, Myrna, Monday afternoon in which they said he will not seek another term in 2024. The couple reminisced about what they called their career helping Maryland.

"I have run my last election and will not be on the ballot in 2024, but there is still much work to be done," Sen. Cardin said. "During the next two years, I will continue to travel around the state, listening to Marylanders and responding to their needs. My top priorities include continuing our progress for the Chesapeake Bay, helping the people of Baltimore City deal with the challenges they face, and permanently expanding opportunities for telehealth, mental and behavioral health."

(Watch Cardin's video and read his full statement at the bottom of this story.)

Gov. Wes Moore said in a statement that Cardin is the epitome of what it means to be a public servant. He praised Cardin for his work to improve the Chesapeake Bay; to pass the Affordable Care Act; to enact the National Institute for Minority Health and Health Disparities; and his work as leader of the Senate Small Business Committee to ensure equal access to capital for minority-owned businesses.

"We are all so grateful for his sacrifice and dedication that has made Maryland a better home for everyone," Moore said. "I am thankful for his leadership, his friendship, and congratulate him on a career unlike any other. And to him and his beautiful bride Myrna, enjoy this well deserved time. Our friendship and my admiration for you will last long after your time in elected office, because the commitment that both of you made to our state is indelible. Job well done."

Cardin's communications director, Sue Walitsky, earlier confirmed the coming announcement to The Washington Post.

Rep. Jamie B. Raskin (D-Md.), who led arguments in former president Donald Trump’s Jan. 6 impeachment trial, has been mentioned as a potential contender for Cardin’s Senate seat, the Post said.

Maryland Matters reported other Democratic candidates for Senate might include: Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Rep. David Trone (D-6th), who have already assembled political teams for Senate campaigns, and Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando.

Others who are expected to consider the Senate race include U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-8th), Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. (D), U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes (D-3rd) and Ben Jealous, the party’s 2018 gubernatorial nominee who is the executive director of the national Sierra Club.

As he wrapped up his second term as governor, Hogan said he had no interest in running for the U.S. Senate. The Post said national Republicans are likely to pressure Hogan to run for Cardin’s seat, but he has so far shown no interest in it.

Related: Gov. Larry Hogan Will Not Run For U.S. Senate

Cardin, 79, was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006, and serves as chair of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee, which is at the forefront of rebuilding our economy. He is a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Finance, and Environment & Public Works committees.

From 1987-2006, Cardin represented Maryland’s Third Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives and served for 17 years on the Ways & Means Committee. He was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1967-1986. During his time as speaker from 1979-1986, he reformed Maryland’s property tax system, the school financing formula and the ethical standards for elected officials, according to his biography.

Here's Cardin's full statement:

“I love Maryland. I love the people of Maryland and I love everything about our state from the beaches to the mountains, the cities and neighborhoods in between, and the rich history of the iconic Chesapeake Bay. It’s been the honor of my life to represent the people of Maryland in the General Assembly, as Speaker of the House of Delegates, as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and now in the United States Senate.

“From an early age, my family and my faith instilled in me the spirit of helping our community and that we all have a responsibility to make the world around us a better place. These values have always been present in my home and have driven my years of public service to Maryland and the nation.

“For me, the essential ingredients of effective public service are integrity and civility. I have always tried to listen to people, understand their problems and then work with them to find a solution. I am an optimist but also a realist. I was taught that it’s okay to compromise – don’t ever compromise your principles – but find a path to get things done. Inspire trust in those around you. Keep your word and, again, listen. That’s civility and it has been central to all I have done over these many years of elected office. It is how I was able to pass the groundbreaking Magnitsky sanctions and guaranteed dental care for children nationwide.

“I am proud of all I have done for Maryland. I have given my heart and soul to our great state, and I thank Marylanders for trusting me as your representative for all these years. I thank my family for their support and counsel, and recognize the many sacrifices they have endured as we traveled this path together. My profound thanks also to the most dedicated staff in all of Congress, many of whom have spent all or most of their career serving alongside me.

“I have run my last election and will not be on the ballot in 2024, but there is still much work to be done. During the next two years, I will continue to travel around the state, listening to Marylanders and responding to their needs. My top priorities include continuing our progress for the Chesapeake Bay, helping the people of Baltimore City deal with the challenges they face, and permanently expanding opportunities for telehealth, mental and behavioral health. As Small Business Chair, I will continue to work on behalf of small businesses in Maryland and across the country who still face a tough economic climate. We need to keep building up the tools available to help our small businesses, especially women-owned, veteran-owned, minority owned and underserved entrepreneurs. I plan to make the most of every moment left. #TeamMarylandForever.”

First elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1968 while still in law school at the University of Maryland, Cardin served as Maryland Ways and Means Chair and then as one of the youngest Speakers in Maryland’s history from 1979-1986. From 1987-2006, he represented Maryland’s Third Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives and served for 17 years on the House Ways & Means Committee. Cardin was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006. He is completing his third term. In addition to his leadership of the Small Business Committee, Cardin is the second-ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations and Environment & Public Works Committees. He also is a member of the Senate Finance Committee and is co-chair of the Committee on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission). Cardin served as ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 2015-2018.