Sen. Ben Cardin announces retirement, opening up Senate seat.

Maryland Senator Ben Cardin, a Democrat, has announced that he will not seek re-election next year, ending his nearly six-decade run in Maryland politics. The announcement has created a scramble to fill the rare vacancy in the closely divided Senate. Possible contenders include Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, U.S. Rep. David Trone, and Montgomery County Council member Will Jawando. Democrats, who hold a 51-49 majority in the Senate, will try to hang on to control of the chamber in the 2024 elections.