Dem Rep. Steny Hoyer, 86, to announce retirement after career spanning four decades

Democrats search for new leaders as Pelosi and Hoyer step down

Fox News senior congressional correspondent Chad Pergram with the latest on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer stepping down from leadership posts and GOP investigating the Biden family on 'Special Report.'

Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland is expected to announce his retirement from Congress as soon as Thursday, Fox News confirmed, ending a decades-long career in the House.

Politico reported that Hoyer, 86, plans to step aside after serving in the House since 1981. The lawmaker teased a 10 a.m. ET House floor speech Thursday.

Hoyer represents a district stretching from the eastern suburbs of Washington, D.C., to southern Maryland and rose to become the second-ranking House Democrat under former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. 

The Washington Post reported that Hoyer decided over the holidays not to seek re-election.

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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.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., applaud as President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, in Washington.    (Jacquelyn Martin/Pool via REUTERS)

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Hoyer's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

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.