U.S. Senator Ben Cardin to retire after five decades in politics
BALTIMORE -- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin announced Monday he will not seek reelection in 2024 and will retire after five decades in politics.
The Maryland Democrat was first elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1966 and served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 20 years. He will turn 80 this fall.
"I love Maryland. I love the people of Maryland and I love everything about our state from the beaches to the mountains, the cities and neighborhoods in between, and the rich history of the iconic Chesapeake Bay. It's been the honor of my life to represent the people of Maryland in the General Assembly, as Speaker of the House of Delegates, as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and now in the United States Senate," Cardin said.
Senator Cardin won election to the U.S. Senate in 2006 following the retirement of U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes.
Throughout his career, Cardin worked on political efforts surrounding human rights, health care, retirement security, taxes, small business, and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
"From an early age, my family and my faith instilled in me the spirit of helping our community and that we all have a responsibility to make the world around us a better place," Cardin said.
Senator Cardin said that while he won't be on the ballot In 2024, his work is not yet complete.
"I have run my last election and will not be on the ballot in 2024, but there is still much work to be done. During the next two years, I will continue to travel around the state, listening to Marylanders and responding to their needs. My top priorities include continuing our progress for the Chesapeake Bay, helping the people of Baltimore City deal with the challenges they face, and permanently expanding opportunities for telehealth, mental and behavioral health," Cardin said.
He also said he will continue to be an advocate for small businesses.
Cardin said he's proud of the work he's done in Maryland, and thanked his colleagues who have supported him during his political leadership.
"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," Cardin said. "I thank my family for their support and counsel, and recognize the many sacrifices they have endured as we traveled this path together. My profound thanks also to the most dedicated staff in all of Congress, many of whom have spent all or most of their career serving alongside me."
The Chesapeake Conservancy saluted Cardin in a statement, saying, "From defending bedrock environmental laws and advancing strong environmental policy, to securing federal funding for conservation and restoration, Senator Cardin has been an outstanding, exemplary champion for the environment and for the Chesapeake Bay throughout his many years in public service. We have always been able to count on 'our friend Ben' to fight for the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed."
