US Rep. Steny Hoyer To Run For Re-Election

MARYLAND — Maryland's Steny Hoyer on Tuesday announced he plans to run for a 23rd term in the U.S. House of Representatives, ending speculation about his possible retirement.

In a statement shared on social media Tuesday, the 84-year-old Democrat confirmed he officially filed to run for re-election to represent Maryland's 5th District. Hoyer, the former House Majority Leader, left his position along with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi when the party lost its majority following the last election.

The 5th District includes all of Charles, St. Mary's, and Calvert counties, as well as parts of Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties.

In his announcement, Hoyer said he decided to run again after consulting with constituents, colleagues and family.

In a separate statement obtained by Politico, Hoyer noted he has "more work to complete" in Congress.

"This Congress has been one of the most partisan and polarized in which I have served. As a result, it has been the least productive as well," Hoyer said in the statement. "I believe in the next Congress we will have a Democratic majority that will be able to deliver for families in Maryland and across the country."

Hoyer was first elected to Congress in 1981 and has served in several leadership roles over the decades. He had served as the No. 2 House Democrat behind Pelosi since 2003, but his departure from leadership prompted speculation he may leave Congress altogether, according to reports.

Several Maryland politicians encouraged Hoyer to seek another term, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Gov. Wes Moore, the Washington Post reported.

"Steny H. Hoyer has a proven record of delivering for our state," Van Hollen said in a statement obtained by the Post. "He truly cares and puts his whole heart into everything he does."

Moore said he was "thrilled" Hoyer plans to seek re-election, the Post reported.

"Few people have made as big of a difference in the lives of Marylanders as Congressman Hoyer," Moore said.