Vermont Democrat Patrick Leahy Will Not Seek Reelection to the Senate in 2022

Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont said Monday that he will not seek a 9th term in 2022. First elected in 1974, Leahy has the most seniority of any currently serving Senator.

Leahy is chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and serves on the Judiciary and Agriculture Committees. He is president pro tem of the Senate (most senior member of majority party), placing him third in line for presidential succession.

The next most senior Senator is Republican Chuck Grassley of Iowa, who was first elected in 1980. He said earlier this year that he will seek an 8th term next year.

Despite being solidly Democratic today, Vermont was formerly a reliably Republican state, voting for the GOP in every presidential election but one from 1856 through 1988. One legacy of that: Leahy is the only Democrat ever elected to the U.S. Senate from Vermont. The state's other Senator, Bernie Sanders, caucuses with the Democrats, but is an independent.

comments powered by Disqus

Headlines

Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville Announces Gubernatorial Campaign

He'll be the favorite to succeed termed-out Gov. Kay Ivey in this deep red state

Election Recap May 20, 2025: Pittsburgh Mayor Ousted in Primary

Mayor Ed Gainey was defeated by a more centrist Democrat.

Overview and Live Results: Pennsylvania Primaries

Pittsburgh's Mayor and the Philly DA will need to prevail against credible challengers to win renomination

Live Results: New York State Senate Special Election

A competitive race in this Brooklyn district to replace a conservative Democrat elected to City Council

Romanian Presidential Election Saga Ends Sunday

The election, between a centrist and hard-right nationalist, will have major implications on policy for this NATO and EU member country