Delaware Sen. Tom Carper Won't Seek Reelection in 2024
By 270toWin Staff
May 22, 2023, 12:19 PM ET
Democratic Sen. Tom Carper said Monday that he will retire at the end of this term. Carper was first elected in 2000, and won his fourth term by a 22% margin in 2018.
Tune in to hear my announcement live: https://t.co/4p83TdQYhf
— Tom Carper (@TomCarperforDE) May 22, 2023
The move opens up a seat likely to remain in Democratic hands. The early favorite, if she chooses to run, will be Lisa Blunt Rochester, the state's at-large U.S. Representative. Answering a question following his prepared remarks, Carper said that he supports Rochester to succeed him.
Carper is the fifth Senator to pass on reelection in 2024, joining Mike Braun (R-IN), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). Only Braun is seeking another office, running for governor of Indiana. Only the Michigan seat is seen as competitive.
Overall, 34 Senate seats are up in 2024. The map favors Republicans, as Democrats will be defending 23 seats, including all seven currently seen as the highly competitive. The GOP can regain control with a net gain of two seats or by winning the 2024 presidential election along with a net gain of one seat.
