Maryland Dem Rep will not seek re-election in 2024

On Friday, Democrat Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (MD) announced that he will not seek re-election for the seat he has held since 2003.

Ruppersberger called the decision "difficult" but acknowledged that it's time to "pass the torch" to the younger generation.

"This was an incredibly difficult decision for me because, now more than ever, Congress needs thoughtful, end-game representatives like me — members who care more about constituents and our country and less about cable news hits," Ruppersberger said in a statement, according to Politico. "But it is time to pass the torch to a younger generation of leaders and I am looking forward to spending more time with my family."

This election, my name will not be on the ballot. I’ve decided to retire to spend more time with my family," he said in a video announcing his retirement. 

"I want to thank them for all the sacrifices that they have made over the years, allowing me to serve our great community. To my staff, past and present, I’m proud of what we have accomplished together." 

The announcement follows many other Democrat politicians from Maryland who will also be giving up their seats in the 2024 election cycle, which includes Senator Ben Cardin and Rep. John Sarbanes.

Republicans will now get the chance to fight for the more than 20-year incumbent seat in Congress, but that task won't come easy. Ruppersberger's seat, which includes Carroll and Baltimore counties, leans heavily Democratic and he has won in a breeze in the past few election cycles.