Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer in the U.S. Capitol building on Dec. 16, 2022. (Photo by Robb Hill for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Hoyer is the third-longest-serving current member of the House, and his retirement would open a competitive Democratic primary for his deep-blue Maryland seat.
He has said he does not plan to make an early endorsement, according to The Washington Post.
FILE - Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., speaks during a press conference on Sept. 21, 2022, in Washington, D.C. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
Hoyer quickly climbed the leadership ranks to become the No. 2 Democrat after first coming to the U.S. House in 1981. He served as majority leader after Democrats swept to power after the 2006 election, and again in 2019 after they regained control during President Donald Trump's first term.
During President Barack Obama's two terms, Hoyer helped pass the Affordable Care Act and other legislation.
Jasmine Baehr is a Breaking News Writer for Fox News Digital, where she covers politics, the military, faith and culture.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dem-rep-steny-hoyer-86-announce-retirement-after-career-spanning-four-decades