Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., during a hearing in Washington, D.C., May 15, 2025. (Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
"I am deeply concerned that this House is not living up to the founders’ goals. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to examine their consciences, renew their courage and carry out the responsibilities that the First Article of the Constitution demands," Hoyer said.
Hoyer, 86, will leave Congress at the end of his term, which concludes in January 2027. His departure continues turnover among Democrats as several other senior figures in the party have also made plans to make 2026 their last year on Capitol Hill.
Most notably, Hoyer joins Pelosi, who will also not pursue re-election in the 2026 midterms. Of the three top Democrats who led the party in 2021, only one, Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., has not announced plans to retire.
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Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., speaks during an event at Bowie State University in Bowie, Md., on Feb. 22, 2023. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)
Hoyer ended his remarks with a long list of thanks, expressing gratitude to his caucus, his late wife and his children.
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"To my colleagues for trusting me with leadership, thank you," Hoyer said.
Leo Briceno is a politics reporter for the congressional team at Fox News Digital. He was previously a reporter with World Magazine.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/hoyer-wont-seek-re-election-says-house-has-strayed-from-founders-vision