Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., at a Democratic rally in 2022. (Photo by Danielle E. Gaines/States Newsroom)
WASHINGTON — Maryland Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer announced Thursday that he will resign from Congress at the end of this year, telling colleagues from both political parties in a speech that he made the decision with “mixed emotions and reluctant conviction.”
Hoyer, who was first elected in 1981 and later became majority leader, joins dozens of members who have announced they will not seek re-election in November.
Hoyer said he still has a lot of work to do during the remainder of his term, while warning lawmakers against increased partisanship.
“I am deeply concerned that this house does not live up to the goals of the founders,” Hoyer said. “I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to examine their conscience, renew their courage, and assume the responsibility required by the first article of the Constitution.”
Hoyer, 86, expressed concern that the U.S. reputation among allied nations has weakened, in part because lawmakers and political leaders have moved away from core ideals.
“I fear that America is headed not toward greatness but toward smallness, pettiness, division, loneliness and contempt,” Hoyer said. “We must respect and love one another. We must remember that we are great or unique not because we say we are great, but because we are just, generous and fair.”
Standing ovations, hugs, handshakes
The House chamber is typically empty at the start of the day, when lawmakers are free to speak on any topic before lawmakers move on to debate and pass legislation.
That wasn’t the case with Hoyer’s speech. About 75 lawmakers rose to give him a standing ovation before he began speaking and embraced him with hugs and handshakes after he formally announced his impending resignation.
House Democratic leaders, Republican leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana, Republican leader Tom Emmer of Minnesota, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, Democratic members of Maryland’s congressional delegation and former Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin all gathered to listen to Hoyer.
A few dozen members of Hoyer’s family, including his wife, children and grandchildren, watched from the gallery overlooking the House floor.
Terp, lawyer, state senator, congressman, leader
Hoyer graduated from the University of Maryland in 1963 before receiving his law degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. in 1966.
He opened a private practice, but also ran for the Maryland State Senate and was elected to it in 1966. From 1975 to 1979 he was president of the chamber.
Hoyer served on the Maryland State Board for Higher Education from 1978 to 1981.
He was elected to the 97th Congress by special election in 1981, representing Maryland 5th Congressional Districtwhich covers part or all of several counties in the southern region of the state, including Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s.
Hoyer took on several leadership positions during the 45 years he served at the Chamber.
He served as chairman of the House Democratic Caucus before becoming the party’s leader and ultimately majority leader. He stepped down from leadership three years ago at the same time Pelosi resigned.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York succeeded Pelosi as the top Democrat in the House, while Massachusetts Rep. Katherine Clark took the leadership role as the second-ranking Democrat after Hoyer.
The two watched as Hoyer reflected on his career the nine-minute speechby telling those gathered in the chamber that they were “extraordinary, decent people” who were members of Congress only because people in their communities believed they were up to the task.
“The only way you got here was because your neighbors said they wanted you to represent them,” Hoyer said. “I give back with great gratitude.”
