'Free-for-all' unleashed as longtime lawmaker announces abrupt exit

Hoyer departure opens scramble for his seat among Democrats long waiting in the wings

by William J. Ford and Christine Condon, Maryland Matters
January 9, 2026

Rep. Steny Hoyer’s announcement that he will not seek reelection to the 5th District seat that he has held for the last 45 years is expected to make an already crowded race more crowded. Much more crowded.

“It will probably unleash a bit of a free-for-all among folks who see that open seat now and would like to have a shot at serving in Congress ...