In a surprise announcement, Maryland Rep. John Sarbanes (D-District 3) announced Oct. 26 that he will not run for reelection in 2024. He follows in the footsteps of Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Maryland), who announced in May he would not seek reelection after 36 years in Congress.
At the end of his ninth term in December of next year, Sarbanes, 61, will have served in Congress for 18 years. He represents much of the southern and western suburbs of Baltimore, extending into Howard County and Annapolis.
Sarbanes won in 2022 by a 60% to 40% margin.
“Stepping away from Congress voluntarily … is not an easy thing,” Sarbanes said in a public statement. “Because the stakes of what we do are so high and because we trust in our value to the team, the case can always be made to press on to the next election. Our country faces many challenges right now, but the Democratic caucus that will carry forward into the next Congress and beyond has a strength and unity of purpose that bodes well for the future. Our new leadership is making all the right moves to bring Democrats back into the majority in January 2025. It makes me hopeful about America’s prospects at this moment when I am pivoting in a new direction.”
A Baltimore native and Towson resident, Sarbanes — whose late father, Sen. Paul Sarbanes, represented Maryland in Congress from 1971 to 2007 — said he hopes to return to working in the nonprofit sector.
“Before coming to Congress, I also found great reward in working with nonprofits, volunteering and otherwise contributing to my community,” said Sarbanes, whose family is involved with Bolton Street Synagogue. “That too is a powerful form of public service. For some time now, I have found myself drawn back to that kind of work — wanting to explore the many opportunities to serve that exist outside of elected office. “
Sarbanes said he plans to continuing to work hard for his constituents over the next 14 months in office.
“Looking back on my nine terms in Congress, I feel an enormous sense of gratitude and accomplishment,” he said. “These have been among the most rewarding years of my professional life, working with dedicated staff and amazing colleagues — especially the outstanding Maryland delegation — on the most pressing issues of our time.
“Over the years, I have been blessed with wonderful supporters who kept me strong and motivated every single day. I am forever grateful to them. Of course, I owe special thanks to the residents of Maryland’s Third District. At every turn they inspired me to pursue the highest standard of constituent service. Addressing their priorities from my position on the Energy and Commerce Committee — health care, the environment and so many other issues — has made me a much more knowledgeable and effective advocate and I will carry that skill set into continued work on behalf of the community.”
Of his wife of 35 years, Dina Eve Caplan Sarbanes, and their three children, he said, “Appreciation runs too deep for words. I can’t do anything without them and they know that.”
In conclusion, Sarbanes said, “To those true movers and shakers who took the time and patience to connect me with the things that matter, thank you for your wonderful partnership! Our work together will continue. I’m excited about starting a new chapter, but for now, there’s still much to do in the remaining fourteen months of the 118th Congress, and that’s where all my energy and attention will be.”
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