Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin Won't Seek Reelection Next Year

Democrat Ben Cardin, Maryland's senior U.S. Senator, will not run for a 4th term in 2024. He released this video announcing the decision on Monday afternoon.

A wide open primary battle is likely for this rare open Senate seat in Maryland. The last was in 2016, when Barbara Mikulski (D) retired; then Rep. Chris Van Hollen won the seat.

Democrats will be favored to hold the seat, particularly in a presidential election year. While Republicans have occasionally been successful in gubernatorial races in this deep blue state, the last elected to the Senate was Charles Mathias, who won a third term back in 1980. 

Two other Senators have announced their departure at the end of this term. Indiana's Mike Braun (R) is running for governor, while Debbie Stabenow (D) of Michigan is retiring.