Maryland Democratic Sen. Cardin will not seek reelection next year

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Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland announced Monday that he will not seek reelection at the end of his third term in 2024, triggering what is likely to be a highly competitive primary to replace him in the blue-leaning state.

“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,” the 79-year-old said in a statement.

Cardin has served in the Senate since 2006 when he won a seat to replace retiring Democrat Paul Sarbanes. Before that, he was a congressman who represented a large part of Baltimore and several nearby suburbs, winning his first U.S. House race in 1986.

During his tenure in the Senate, Cardin has been a leader in health care, retirement security, the environment and fiscal issues. The senator has also been a leading advocate for clean water and the Chesapeake Bay, the nation’s largest estuary, which flows through his home state.

He helped write the Paycheck Protection Program that helped small businesses in Maryland and nationwide endure the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also created the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance Grant program to quickly get cash to small businesses in need.

His legislation to expand Medicare to include preventive benefits such as colorectal, prostate, mammogram, and osteoporosis screening was also enacted.

“I salute my friend and our state’s senior Senator Ben Cardin on his extraordinary public service to Maryland and our country,” Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said in a statement Monday. “It is a privilege to serve alongside him and in partnership every day for the people of our great state.”

Cardin’s decision is likely to spur interest among Maryland Democrats in the House eying a chance to step up or among current or former state office holders.

On the Republican side, GOP strategists who couldn’t convince then-Gov. Larry Hogan to oppose Van Hollen may hope that the popular Hogan is more receptive to seeking a Senate seat since he’s no longer in the governor’s mansion or weighing a presidential bid.

On Monday, Democrats and others took time to praise Cardin, who was generally a low-key member of the U.S. Senate.

“For over 50 years, Maryland has benefited from his tireless work across our communities, this state, and this nation,” said Gov. Wes Moore. “His personal sacrifice is admirable and his impact on our home is truly immeasurable — from his work on the Chesapeake Bay to his efforts to pass the Affordable Care Act, his work has benefited so many.

“Ben Cardin is a model public servant, principled leader, and citizen,” said Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-7th, who lost a Senate primary race against Cardin in 2006. “I have been honored to call him my friend and colleague for over 4 decades. He deserves our heartiest congratulations today and every day for the 57 years of untiring work on behalf of Marylanders”

Cardin also has worked in foreign affairs, supporting the integration of anti-corruption, transparency and respect for human rights into foreign policy. He chaired the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission.

Cardin counts among his achievements the passage of his legislation to increase the amount Americans can put into their 401(k) plans and IRAs, which was enacted in 2001.

Cardin also had a long career in state government before he became a congressman. He won a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates in 1966. He served as the Maryland House speaker from 1979 to 1986.

As a state legislator and a member of Congress, Cardin has generally supported liberal views, emphasizing increased aid for education, tax relief for low-income people and protection of the environment.