Senator Ben Cardin’s announcement that he won’t seek reelection in 2024 has sent shockwaves through Maryland, leaving his Senate seat wide open and paving the way for a highly competitive Democratic primary. This race is being closely watched not only in Maryland but across the country, as it could lead to a shift in the state’s political landscape and potentially impact the balance of power in the Senate. The retirement of such a longtime public servant and advocate for numerous issues has left Marylanders and political watchers alike wondering who will fill his shoes. Stay tuned to Next News for more on this developing story.
Maryland’s Senator Ben Cardin has announced he will not seek reelection in 2024, paving the way for a highly competitive Democratic primary to fill his seat. The 79-year-old senator has spent decades in public service, first winning office in 1966 and serving in both the House of Delegates and the House of Representatives before being elected to the Senate in 2006. While Maryland is a traditionally blue state, Cardin’s retirement could lead to multiple open House seats and could be a signal of trouble for the Democratic Party.
Cardin has been a champion for numerous issues during his time in the Senate, including human rights, the Paycheck Protection Program, and legislation expanding Medicare coverage.
His retirement will spark a fierce battle among potential Democratic candidates who could fill his seat, including Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Rep. David Trone, Rep. John Sarbanes, Rep. Jamie Raskin, and Montgomery County Councilman Will Jawando.
If Alsobrooks were to run and win, she would become Maryland’s first black senator and the third black woman ever elected to the Senate. Cardin’s retirement also means that the state will see a historic Senate race brewing.
Despite Maryland being a traditionally blue state, Republicans are hoping to make gains in the race to replace Cardin, which could lead to a shift in the state’s political landscape. There have only been three open Senate seats in Maryland in the last 70 years, making this race highly contested and closely watched.
Many of Cardin’s potential replacements have already sung his praises, with Rep. Jamie Raskin thanking him for his outstanding and continuing contributions to the state. Rep. David Trone also tweeted that Cardin “gets things done for people,” and that he has been a champion for working people, bringing jobs to Maryland, especially underserved communities whose voices don’t often reach the halls of power.
Cardin’s retirement comes at a time when Democrats are facing an uphill climb to hold on to control of the Senate in next year’s elections. However, despite the uncertainty of the political landscape, it is likely that Cardin’s seat will remain in the Democratic camp.
During his time in the Senate, Cardin helped craft the Magnitsky Act, which allowed the US to sanction Russian individuals for human rights abuses. He also played a key role in creating legislation to provide loans for small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.
Cardin was also recently tapped by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to temporarily replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein on the Senate Judiciary committee. However, Republicans blocked the move in an effort to prevent the confirmation of Biden judicial nominees. Feinstein has been away from Washington as she recovers from shingles.
Maryland’s Senator Ben Cardin’s retirement has opened up a highly competitive Democratic primary to fill his seat, with potential replacements including Angela Alsobrooks, David Trone, John Sarbanes, Jamie Raskin, and Will Jawando. As Republicans eye an opportunity to make gains in the traditionally blue state, Marylanders and political watchers alike are eagerly anticipating the outcome of this race. With the balance of power in the Senate at stake, the results of this election could shape the political landscape of the country for years to come. Stay tuned to Next News as we continue to provide in-depth coverage of this and other critical stories affecting our nation.
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