U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer Recovering After Stroke, His Office Says

Updated at 6:10 p.m.

MARYLAND — Maryland U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer is recovering after he suffered a stroke Sunday night, his office confirmed in a statement.

Hoyer, a Democrat who previously served as House Majority Leader, responded well to treatment and has no lingering symptoms after suffering from what his office called a mild ischemic stroke. According to the statement, Hoyer expects to resume his normal schedule next week.

"Mr. Hoyer’s wife and family extend their deepest thanks to his medical team," the statement said.

In January, the 85-year-old Hoyer announced plans to run for a 23rd term representing Maryland's 5th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, ending speculation about his possible retirement.

The 5th District includes all of Charles, St. Mary's, and Calvert counties, as well as parts of Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties.

Prince George’s County Executive and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Angela Alsobrooks said on X, formerly Twitter, that she is glad to hear Hoyer is recovering.

“We are all wishing you a speed recovery and know you will be back delivering for Marylanders, as you always have, very soon!”

Former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, who is facing Alsobrooks for the Senate seat being vacated by Ben Cardin, also commented on X. "Yumi and I are keeping Steny and the Hoyer family in our thoughts and prayers, and are glad to hear he is doing well. We wish him well as he recovers."

Hoyer was first elected to Congress in 1981 and has served in several leadership roles over the decades. He had served as the No. 2 House Democrat behind former Speaker Nancy Pelosi from 2007-2011 and from 2019-2023, but his departure from leadership prompted speculation he might leave Congress altogether, according to reports.

His Republican challenger in the Nov. 5 general election is Michelle Talkington, of Charles County, a small business owner in the construction industry. A graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, she studied theater and was worked as a director for local theaters. She is married and the mother of three daughters and three sons.

Patch will update this breaking news.