James Leuschen issued the following statement on the retirement of Leader Steny Hoyer:

“I want to congratulate my friend, mentor and former boss, Congressman Steny Hoyer, on an extraordinary career of public service as he announces his retirement. When he leaves Congress, he will do so having made our country fairer, stronger, and more just, and having changed countless lives along the way. His leadership helped expand economic opportunity for more Americans, make healthcare more affordable for millions of people through the Affordable Care Act, protect the rights of people with disabilities, strengthen our democracy through voting rights reforms, and end discriminatory policies like Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

“I had the privilege of working for Leader Hoyer for fifteen years, and that experience shaped how I understand public service. He believed deeply that the government exists to serve people and expand opportunity so that more working families can make it in America. He taught me that progress comes from listening, treating people with respect, and doing the hard work of finding common ground, even when it is not easy.

“I saw firsthand, when moments were toughest and the path forward was unclear, Steny Hoyer was the leader others turned to. He had a rare ability to pair a deep command of policy and legislative process with an unwavering moral compass. Time and again, he helped move legislation forward that people thought was impossible, not through theatrics, but through persistence, patience, and trust.

“What I will always remember most, though, is his decency. He led with humility, treated colleagues and staff with dignity, and modeled the kind of civility that feels too rare in politics today. In an era of division, he showed what principled, effective leadership looks like.

“Our country, our Congress, and the Democratic Party are better because of Steny Hoyer’s service. I am so profoundly grateful for his mentorship, his confidence in me, and the example he set. I will carry those lessons with me for the rest of my life.”