Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.) is retiring from Congress at the end of the year, hanging up his hat in the House after serving 11 terms in the upper chamber.
Ruppersberger, 77, who was first elected to the House in 2002, said the time has come for a new generation of leaders in Washington.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision for me because, now more than ever, Congress needs thoughtful, end-game representatives like me — members who care more about constituents and our country and less about cable news hits. But it is time to pass the torch to a younger generation of leaders and I am looking forward to spending more time with my family.” Ruppersberger wrote in a statement .
Ruppersberger, who represents Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District, sits on the House Appropriations Committee. He served on the House Intelligence Committee and for four years was the top Democrat on the panel.
Before Congress, Ruppersberger was a Baltimore County Council member and Baltimore County Executive.