Another Democratic House member also announced plans to retire at the end of the year.
Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.) released a statement Friday saying he will retire from office at the end of 2024.
Ruppersberger recognized that “Now more than ever, Congress needs thoughtful, end-of-the-road members like me, members who care more about their constituents and our country than about cable news hits.” He said he made the decision.
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Representative Dutch Ruppersberger, a Democrat from Maryland, speaks at a press conference on the sidelines of the Dialogue on the Future of Atlantic Trade event at the Port of Baltimore in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photographer: Ting Sheng/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“The time has come to pass the torch to a younger generation of leaders. I look forward to spending more time with my family,” he said.
He joins 18 Republicans and about 20 other Democrats who have decided not to seek reelection.
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Mr. Ruppersberger's district is a solidly blue area, so a Republican replacement is unlikely.
He has served Maryland's 2nd District for more than 20 years, having first been elected in 2003.
The House of Representatives Chamber in the Capitol Building in Washington, District of Columbia. About 20 Democrats will retire next year, along with 18 Republicans. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
But keeping seats within the same party is only half the battle when competing for seats in many key constituencies in 2024.
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Party leaders have expressed concern that the longtime lawmaker's resignation could leave a power vacuum filled by more radical factions.
Rupperberger's comments about the importance of “voters” over “cable news hits” reflect a growing disconnect between the outgoing generation of lawmakers and the younger generation seeking to get elected. There is.
A number of retiring members of Congress have announced intentions to move into senior positions, including outgoing Republican congressman David Trone of Maryland, who plans to run for the Senate.
