Rep. Steny Hoyer, 86, will retire after 40+ years in Congress, citing health concerns.

Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., the longest-serving Democratic member of Congress, announced he will retire at the end of his current term, ending a 40-plus year career in the U.S. House of Representatives. The 86-year-old, who first took office in 1981, served as House Democratic majority leader during key periods in 2007 and 2019 and played a central role in advancing major legislation, including the Affordable Care Act. He was a top leader alongside Nancy Pelosi and James Clyburn, helping shape party strategy and outreach. Hoyer cited a desire to step down before losing effectiveness, following a mild stroke in 2024. His retirement, confirmed through a social media post and a Washington Post interview, marks a significant leadership transition as the Democratic Party prepares for the 2026 midterm elections.