Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) announced he would not run for another term in the House, making him the latest member of Congress from Maryland to retire after the 2024 cycle.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision for me because, now more than ever, Congress needs thoughtful, end-game representatives like me — members who care more about constituents and our country and less about cable news hits,” Ruppersberger said in a statement. “But it is time to pass the torch to a younger generation of leaders and I am looking forward to spending more time with my family.”
Ruppersberger’s exit leaves his seat open for the first time since he was elected in 2003. His seat is expected to remain safe in Democratic hands.
Ruppersberger is the latest of several Maryland congressmen eyeing the exits during the 2024 cycle, joining the ranks of Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD) and Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD). Rep. David Trone (D-MD) is also forgoing reelection in the House as he vies to replace Cardin in the upper chamber.
Forty House incumbents have already announced they won’t seek reelection in 2024, marking one of the highest rates of retirement at this point in an election cycle over the last decade. That number includes 18 Republicans who announced they won’t run for another term, as well as 23 Democrats, according to a list compiled by the House Press Gallery. Another seven members have already left midway through their terms, including former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
The number of retirements is approaching but has not reached the total in 2018 when 52 members stepped down from office. That marked the most incumbent retirements recorded since the 1993 cycle, when 65 members opted not to run for reelection.
Of the members who have announced their retirements so far, 12 have launched bids to run for the Senate instead. One Democrat, Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), is running for governor, and another, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN), is running for president.
Two lawmakers are running for attorney general in the same state: Reps. Dan Bishop (R-NC) and Jeff Jackson (D-NC) of North Carolina.
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The rising number of retirements could make it more difficult for both parties to secure a House majority next year, especially if members in competitive districts choose to opt out.
Of the lawmakers who have already announced their retirements, only seven are considered to be representing competitive seats, all of which are held by Democrats. Meanwhile, all Republican districts, with the exception of the seat formerly held by Rep. George Santos (R-NY), are considered to be reliably red.
