As the 2024 election cycle approaches, there is increasing pressure for the old guard to step down. Calls for Mitch McConnell, Nancy Pelosi and Diane Feinstein have recently made headlines. On Monday, long-term Democrat Sen. Ben Cardin (MD) announced he would not seek reelection. Cardin is 79.
Cardin announced his intent to step down via Twitter: “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’s tweet included an embedded review of his legislative work as profiled in a well-done interview with his wife Myrna.
Cardin told the Baltimore Sun: “It’s time. 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.”
National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesperson Tate Mitchell told Fox News: “Democrats are quickly realizing that the Senate won’t be any fun for them when Republicans retake the majority in 2024.”
Many anticipate a large number of contenders will vie to replace Cardin. The solidly blue state has not had a Senate vacancy since 2016.
Cardin told the Baltimore Sun: “I know that people are interested. Let’s see who is prepared to do it. I am extremely confident we will hold the seat.”
Reportedly, Rep, Jamie Raskin, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and Rep. David Trone are potential candidates.
Cardin, who has served in the Senate since 2007, currently chairs the Small Business Committee. Previous to serving in the Senate he served in the House and as speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates.
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