Sen. Tom Carper, a Delaware Democrat with four terms in office, announced on Monday that he will not seek re-election in 2024.

“Approximately 59 years have passed since I first raised my hand as a 17-year-old naval midshipman and P3 mission aircraft commander,” Carper stated at a press conference, adding that his final 20 months in office would be a “sprint” as he strives to accomplish important goals.

“Carper has held elected office since 1977, when he became Delaware state treasurer, and has won 14 statewide elections without a loss. He served in the House of Representatives from 1983-1993 and was governor of the state for two terms. Carper also served three tours in Vietnam as a National Aviation Officer, and is the last veteran of the conflict currently serving in the Senate,” the Daily Caller reported.

“Carper is the fourth Democratic senator to announce a retirement ahead of the 2024 cycle, joining Ben Cardin of Maryland, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, and Dianne Feinstein of California. At the same point in the 2022 cycle, no Senate Democrats had announced their retirement, although five representatives had,” the outlet added.

Tune in to hear my announcement live: https://t.co/4p83TdQYhf

— Tom Carper (@TomCarperforDE) May 22, 2023

Sen. Ben Cardin, a Democrat from Maryland, announced earlier this month that he will not seek re-election in 2024, setting the stage for a prospective battle for the seat.

“I was taught that it’s okay to compromise — don’t ever compromise your principles — but find a path to get things done. Inspire trust in those around you. Keep your word and, again, listen,” Cardin said in a statement.

“You know, Myrna, it’s been the honor of my life to represent the people of Maryland first in the Maryland General Assembly, then as Speaker of the House, later as a member of the House of Representatives, and now as a United States Senator,” Cardin said. “When this term ends, it will be my last year as an elected official. I will not seek re-election.”

“It’s time,” Cardin said. “I always knew this election cycle would be the one I would be thinking about not running again, so it’s not something that hit me by surprise. I enjoy life. There are other things I can do.”

“The genial Marylander had been contemplating his plans for months as Democrats eyed his seat. The 79-year-old Cardin is a fixture in Maryland politics, serving first in the statehouse, then the House and then in the Senate since 2007. He’s the third Senate Democrat to announce they won’t run for reelection, joining Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). Of those three states, only Michigan is considered competitive,” Politico reported.

“Cardin’s announcement will almost certainly jolt the Old Line State’s congressional delegation and political apparatus. Democrats from all corners will consider running for a safe seat that’s also within driving distance of the Capitol — as plum a gig as you’ll find in politics. Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and Reps. Jamie Raskin and David Trone are among those rumored to be considering runs. Cardin’s opening also could particularly pave the way for a candidate from Baltimore, where the senator is from,” the outlet added.

More on this story via Conservative Brief:

“I salute my friend and our state’s senior Senator Ben Cardin on his extraordinary public service to Maryland and our country,” Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said in a statement Monday. “It is a privilege to serve alongside him and in partnership every day for the people of our great state.” CONTINUE READING…