Rep. Ruppersberger of Maryland to Retire

Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, D-Md., a stalwart figure in his state’s politics, has announced his retirement from Congress, ending a distinguished 21-year career, CBS News reported.

“This election, my name will not be on the ballot,” Ruppersberger said in a video posted online on Friday, citing his desire to allocate more time to his family.

Ruppersberger’s journey in public service began as a seasonal police officer and lifeguard in Ocean City, evolving into a prosecutorial role in the courtroom. His foray into politics led him to serve as a council member and county executive in Baltimore County, ultimately securing 11 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Ruppersberger represents Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District, spanning Carroll County, a substantial portion of Baltimore County, and reaching into north-central Baltimore City.

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr., a Democrat, has already signaled his interest in vying for Ruppersberger’s seat. Olszewski, from Millers Island, established a campaign account in anticipation of a potential congressional run.

For Ruppersberger, a Baltimore native and University of Maryland, College Park alumnus, his journey into public service was sparked by a near-fatal car crash and subsequent care at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

Elected to the Baltimore County Council in 1985, he ascended to the position of Baltimore County executive in 1994 before clinching a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002.

In preparation for the 2022 election, Ruppersberger underwent a legal name change, adopting Charles Albert Ruppersberger III to ensure his longstanding nickname, “Dutch,” graced campaign materials and the ballot.

Ruppersberger’s distinguished career includes a noteworthy stint as the first freshman lawmaker appointed to the House Intelligence Committee, a role he secured due to his district’s proximity to the National Security Agency.

Rising to become the leading Democrat on the committee, Ruppersberger, part of the “Gang of Eight,” had access to highly classified intelligence, including exclusive visuals of Osama bin Laden’s body after the al-Qaida leader’s demise in 2011.

Later transitioning to the influential House Appropriations Committee, Ruppersberger continued his commitment to public service, currently chairing the U.S. Naval Academy’s Board of Visitors and advocating for the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

The departure of Ruppersberger, along with fellow Democrat Reps. John Sarbanes and David Trone, D-Md., leaves three of Maryland’s congressional seats open for contention in the upcoming election year. Trone is not seeking reelection as he endeavors to secure an open Senate seat following the retirement of Ben Cardin, D-Md.