Elfreth Statement on Hoyer Retirement Announcement

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) released the following statement regarding the announcement that Leader Steny Hoyer (MD-05) will not seek another term in the House of Representatives.

“My career began with an internship in Leader Hoyer’s office, and there hasn’t been a day since I joined Congress that I haven’t seen Steny lead our delegation with fierce dedication. Leader Hoyer exemplifies the best of public service: diligence, collaboration, and tireless fight on behalf of his community. 

“From millions of dollars of investment in Prince George’s County and Southern Maryland to his work to uphold democratic values around the globe, you would be hard-pressed to find an issue he hasn’t led on. There would be no Americans with Disabilities Act without Hoyer. There would be no Help America Vote Act. There would be no Team Maryland if it weren’t for Steny Hoyer. 

“It would be impossible to sum up his four decades representing Maryland in Congress in four paragraphs, but I will do my best. As Majority Leader, he united the Democratic Caucus, represented our nation’s values on the Helsinki Commission, and fought for the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. In Maryland, he spent decades standing up for our hard-working federal workers, advocating for the students and research of the University of Maryland, and funding cutting-edge innovation at NASA Goddard and our military bases. 

“During my first year in a chaotic Congress, I have been immensely proud to call him a friend and mentor. On the hardest of days, I was always grateful to get his perspective on complex issues or his words of wisdom on the House floor. He will be missed greatly in this chamber, but I wish my friend much fulfillment after a tremendous career of public service on behalf of our state and country.”