In a surprising announcement, Rep. Jamie Raskin has declared that he will not be running for the Senate seat in Maryland that will be vacated by Sen. Ben Cardin in 2024. Instead, Raskin has decided to seek re-election to his current House seat, representing Maryland’s 8th District.
Raskin, a Democrat, explained his decision in a comprehensive statement, stating that he believes he can make a greater impact on American politics by running for re-election to the House of Representatives. His prominent role in the House select committee investigating the Capitol riot and his position as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee have made him a notable figure in Congress.
The announcement of Cardin’s retirement had set the stage for a potentially heated primary race in Maryland, a deeply blue state. Raskin was considered a top contender to replace Cardin, but he has chosen to focus on his re-election campaign instead.
The 60-year-old congressman, who battled lymphoma and recently announced being in remission, emphasized his commitment to the Democratic Party’s principles and pledged his support to the eventual Democratic nominee for Cardin’s Senate seat.
Raskin’s decision not to pursue a Senate bid will undoubtedly have an impact on the Maryland political landscape, leaving the field open for other aspiring candidates to vie for the highly coveted Senate seat in the upcoming election.
Photo Credit: Doug Mills/The New York Times
