Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont announced Monday that he will not seek reelection next year, opting to retire from the Senate.
Leahy, 81, is the longest-serving sitting senator, having been in office since 1975 following his election in 1974. He is currently the president pro tempore of the Senate.
“I have reached the conclusion that it’s time to put down the gavel,” Leahy said. “It is time to pass a torch to the next Vermonter who will carry on this work for our great state. It’s time to come home.”
Leahy’s news opens the door for a handful of Vermont Democrats who may seek to succeed him. Among the potential contenders are Rep. Peter Welch, Vermont Senate President pro tem Becca Balint, state Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale, and Lt. Gov. Molly Gray.
Prior to Leahy’s announcement, no Republican had launched a 2022 bid for the Senate in the blue state of Vermont, which now-President Biden carried by 35 points last November and Leahy won reelection in 2016 by 28 points.
Republican Gov. Phil Scott of Vermont praised Leahy as “an incredible champion for Vermonters” whose “leadership and experience has ensured our state is well represented in Congress.”
Scott has indicated in the past that he wouldn’t launch a GOP challenge against Leahy, whom he considers a friend. But with the longtime senator retiring, it’s unclear if Scott, a frequent critic of former President Donald Trump, would considering launching a Senate bid.
