Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin gained’t search reelection in 2024, kicking off what could also be a crowded major to exchange him within the blue state of Maryland.
“I'm pleased with all I've achieved for Maryland. I've given my coronary heart and soul to our nice state, and I thank Marylanders for trusting me as your consultant for all these years.” Cardin, 79, stated in an announcement launched by his workplace on Monday.
Cardin, an amiable rank-and-file Democrat, was first elected to the Senate in 2006 and quietly labored his method as much as senior posts on the on Senate Overseas Relations, Finance, and Small Enterprise committees. Earlier than that, he represented Maryland within the Home of Representatives and was a longtime state legislator.
A number of Maryland Home Democrats might bounce into the race to succeed Cardin, together with Reps. Jamie Raskin, John Sarbanes, and Kweisi Mfume. Former Rep. John Delaney, who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, and former Rep. Donna Edwards are additionally potential candidates.
On the Republican facet, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan can be a top-tier recruit for the Nationwide Republican Senatorial Committee. Hogan, who was in style throughout his two phrases in workplace, together with amongst Democrats, just lately introduced he wouldn't run for president in 2024.
Though Republicans would possible have a tough time flipping a seat in a blue stronghold, a high quality candidate like Hogan would drive Democrats to play protection and spend cash in Maryland they’d in any other case desire to make use of in different races defending susceptible incumbents, reminiscent of Sen. Sherrod Brown (Ohio) or Sen. Joe Manchin (W.Va.).
Democrats are nonetheless holding out hope that one other veteran Democratic senator, Dianne Feinstein, makes her return to the higher chamber. The 89-year-old California lawmaker has been absent since February whereas she recovers from shingles.
Final month, Democrats tried to quickly change Feinstein with Cardin on the highly effective Senate Judiciary Committee, however Republicans blocked that effort. Feinstein’s absence from the committee has contributed to Democrats’ incapacity to advance some judicial nominations. Republicans additionally handed a symbolic decision final week looking for to repeal a key Biden administration local weather rule as a result of Feinstein wasn’t current.
In his assertion asserting his retirement, Cardin stated he would focus the rest of his time period on delivering “progress for the Chesapeake Bay, serving to the individuals of Baltimore Metropolis cope with the challenges they face, and completely increasing alternatives for telehealth, psychological and behavioral well being.”
“I plan to benefit from each second left,” the senator stated.
Post a Comment