Longtime Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin reportedly said he won't seek re-election, clearing a path for a new face to join the Senate.
"I am proud of all I have done for Maryland. I have given my heart and soul to our great state, and I thank Marylanders for trusting me as your representative for all these years. Thank you, Maryland," Cardin tweeted Monday, sharing a video of his retirement announcement.
In video message with his wife, Myrna, Cardin recalled it’s been 56 years since he ran for office.
"You know, Myrna, it’s been the honor of my life to represent the people of Maryland first in the Maryland General Assembly, then as Speaker of the House, later as a member of the House of Representatives, and now as a United States Senator," Cardin said. "When this term ends, it will be my last year as an elected official. I will not seek re-election."
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"It’s time," Cardin, 79, also told The Baltimore Sun in an interview at his Pikesville home. "I always knew this election cycle would be the one I would be thinking about not running again, so it’s not something that hit me by surprise. I enjoy life. There are other things I can do."
"Democrats are quickly realizing that the Senate won't be any fun for them when Republicans retake the majority in 2024," National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesperson, Tate Mitchell, told Fox News.
Fox News' Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
