Senator Cardin Announces 2024 Retirement

Hearings to examine the oral health crisis, focusing on identifying and addressing health disparities. (Official U.S. Senate photo by Dan Rios)

Senator Ben Cardin, D-Maryland, announced Monday that he will not be seeking re-election in 2024. Cardin was a key figure in passing the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 and is a strong proponent of retirement reform. Cardin often worked closely with former Senator Rob Portman, R-Ohio, who retired at the end of 2022.

Among some of Cardin’s proudest accomplishments are his contributions to retirement security. He specifically cites his efforts encouraging small businesses to start retirement plans and increasing retirement plan access for lower-income Americans.

Cardin said in a statement:

“I have run my last election and will not be on the ballot in 2024, but there is still much work to be done. During the next two years, I will continue to travel around the state, listening to Marylanders and responding to their needs. My top priorities include continuing our progress for the Chesapeake Bay, helping the people of Baltimore City deal with the challenges they face, and permanently expanding opportunities for telehealth, mental and behavioral health. As Small Business Chair, I will continue to work on behalf of small businesses in Maryland and across the country who still face a tough economic climate. We need to keep building up the tools available to help our small businesses, especially women-owned, veteran-owned, minority owned and underserved entrepreneurs. I plan to make the most of every moment left.”

Cardin first entered politics by running for the Maryland House of Delegates in 1968. He represented Maryland’s 3rd Congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives for 20 years, until he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006.