BOWIE, Md. (AP) - U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer and Jerrold Nadler, prominent Democrats in Congress, are set to retire when their terms end in January. However, they will continue to influence Washington even after their departure. On Tuesday night, both lawmakers endorsed former aides who emerged victorious in the Democratic primaries to succeed them. Given that both of their districts lean heavily Democratic, these candidates are expected to win in the November elections and be sworn in to take over from their former bosses.
Hoyer, who has represented Maryland since 1981, and Nadler, who has served as the dean of New York's congressional delegation for 34 years, are among 68 members of Congress opting out of reelection this year. At least five of these retirees have backed former staffers to replace them, while more than a dozen others have actively assisted their chosen replacements in navigating the political landscape. This practice, while sometimes controversial, often works in their favor; constituents frequently respond positively to recommendations from their current representatives.
For instance, 45-year-old Maryland resident Natasha Greensword endorsed Adrian Boafo in the Democratic primary, influenced in part by Hoyer's endorsement. Greensword noted that Hoyer's backing of a Black candidate, Boafo, resonated with her, enhancing his appeal. On the flip side, 64-year-old Norma James intentionally avoided Boafo due to Hoyer's endorsement, expressing skepticism about opposing candidates supported by Hoyer.
Retiring lawmakers have varying degrees of involvement in electing their successors. While some choose to keep their preferences private, others orchestrate strategies to favor specific candidates. Notably, Democratic Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia of Illinois faced backlash when he timed his retirement announcement to ensure that his former chief of staff, Patty Garcia, was the only candidate to file paperwork for the election, ultimately winning the primary uncontested.
In another instance, Republican Sen. Steve Daines of Montana coordinated with former U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme, enabling a swift transition when Daines withdrew his candidacy just minutes before the filing deadline. This orchestration also received President Donald Trump's immediate endorsement for Alme, thwarting potential internal conflicts within the party.
Conversely, Rep. Danny Davis of Illinois openly expressed his preference for state Rep. La Shawn Ford as his successor, but this did not guarantee clear support, leading to a narrow victory for Ford in a competitive primary. California's Democratic Rep. Julia Brownley endorsed Assembly member Jacqui Irwin, who subsequently advanced comfortably to the general election despite initial contestation.
As for Hoyer and Nadler, both decided against seeking reelection amid calls for a younger Democratic leadership. Hoyer supported Adrian Boafo, now a Maryland state delegate, in a competitive primary field of 24 candidates. Boafo publicly acknowledged Hoyer's mentorship and expressed a commitment to usher in a new generation of leadership.
Nadler endorsed state Assemblyman Micah Lasher, also a former aide, in a competitive race for the Manhattan seat. Lasher recounted how Nadler's political influence had been a part of his life since birth, reflecting on Nadler’s long tenure in office and his commitment to various causes.
At least three other retiring lawmakers have similarly endorsed former aides, underscoring the trend of incumbents actively shaping the future of their districts. Among them, Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke of Montana quickly endorsed his district director, Aaron Flint, who emerged victorious in a four-person primary earlier this month.
The backdrop of this congressional turnover coincides with increasing public discontent towards current congressional leaders, reflecting a broader nationwide sentiment for change. As Hoyer and Nadler step aside, their endorsements may play a crucial role in shaping the future political landscape in their respective districts.
