Following Congressman Steny Hoyer’s announcement that he won’t run for reelection, Democratic Majority for Israel President and CEO Brian Romick made the following statement:
“I am filled with deep gratitude for Steny Hoyer’s more than six decades of extraordinary public service to America, and even more so, personally, for the profound role he’s played in shaping my life. There is no question that I would not be where I am today without his mentorship, leadership, and example. He believed in me and treated me not just as a staffer, but like a member of his family.
“Having worked with him for nearly 30 years, I learned lessons that will stay with me for a lifetime: the importance of treating people with respect and dignity even if you strongly disagree; how to navigate tough political battles with resolve; and why America must remain a steadfast friend of Israel.
“When I first began working with him as a 19-year-old campaign volunteer, I could not have imagined how profoundly working with him would shape my career and my character. He opened doors for me, trusted me, and gave me the opportunities of a lifetime – to advance the core priorities for the Democratic Party and to witness how governing, coalition building, and democracy truly work. His strong leadership and ability to build consensus to pass important legislation improved the lives of Americans.
“He has also been a true and steadfast friend of Israel. I helped him lead 12 congressional delegations there, ensuring that members of Congress learned not just about the important strategic relationship between the United States and Israel but also about the miracle of Israel’s very existence. Those trips were powerful and transformative experiences for us. He worked relentlessly to ensure Israel had the resources it needed to defend itself by itself and fought back against attempts to undermine the U.S.-Israel relationship.
“Our country, the Democratic Party, and the pro-Israel movement are all in a better place today because of his service. I will be forever grateful for his guidance, his friendship, and his faith in me. I am certain that future Democratic leaders will look to his career as a model and be inspired to embrace his legacy.”