News that another Democratic Senate seat might be up for grabs is here. It comes from long-time moderate Democrat and Senator Tom Carper of Delaware.
On Monday, the 76-year-old announced that he would not be seeking reelection or a fifth term in the Senate—finally, someone who sees the value of retirement.
But what’s even more notable is that Carper’s decision will open up a wide-open contest for his seat. Now, to be sure, it resides in deep blue Delaware, where a Republican will be hard-pressed to win. But the opportunity is there.
Carper says that he and his wife, Martha, have been discussing the decision for a while now. While running again, and presumably winning, would set a record of “15 statewide elections,” he knows that his time in Congress is up.
He vows to work hard over the duration of his term to “finish the important work that my staff and I have begun on a wide range of fronts.” In particular, Carper says he will be pushing to implement new environmental provisions for the Inflation Reduction Act and 2021’s infrastructure law.
If you know much about Carper, you know he’s long had environmental interests, building his reputation in Congress as a moderate Democrat with a strong interest in all environmental issues. Before serving in the Senate, he sat in the US House of Representatives for five terms and two terms as governor of Delaware.
He never lost an election. And with his retirement now announced, he just ensured his track record of success remains intact.
Also not seeking reelection in 2024 are Democratic Senators Ben Cardin from Maryland, California’s aging Dianne Feinstein, and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan. Republican Senator Mike Braun of Indiana will also step down.
