Hoyer, who holds the distinction of being the third-longest-serving member of the House, shared his decision with the Washington Post, revealing that he reached this conclusion during the holiday season.

“I wanted to avoid being one of those members who linger beyond their ability to effectively perform their duties,” he explained to the publication.

It is anticipated that Hoyer will officially announce his retirement on Thursday, January 8, during a statement on the House floor.

Reports said Hoyer plans to formally announce his retirement Thursday, Jan. 8, on the floor. 

The 86-year-old represents Maryland’s Fifth District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He has been in the position since 1981. 

The decision comes as some fellow Democrats face primaries from younger candidates or are doing the same as him and deciding not to run again.

His political career spans decades and he worked his way to become the second-ranking House Democrat under Speaker Nancy Pelosi, according to Politico. 

Hoyer began his political career in 1962 as a member of Sen. Daniel Brewster. He and now Speaker Nancy Pelosi worked on the same staff. 

He won a seat in the Maryland State Senate in 1966 and became the youngest president of the Maryland State Senate in 1975. 

He also served on the State Board of Higher Education, Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland and the United States Naval Academy Board of Visitors. He is currently part of the St. Mary’s College Board of Trustees. 

The news of his retirement comes months after Pelosi, the 85-year-old from California, announced her retirement and a year after Rep. Jim Clyburn, 85-year-old from South Carolina, stepped down.