MONTPELIER, Vt. – At a press conference at the Statehouse Monday morning, Senator Patrick Leahy announced that he will be retiring from office at the end of his current term. He made his announcement in the same room where, as a 33-year-old Chittenden County state attorney, he launched his original campaign for U.S. Senate. His retirement will mark the end of a long and distinguished Senate career, which began in 1974, when he became the first Democrat and youngest person ever elected to the U.S. Senate from Vermont.
During his press conference Sen. Leahy spoke to his achievements and contributions throughout the years on human rights, agriculture, humanitarian aid, national security, and more, and his commitment to bring Vermont values to issues faced around the world.
“I am proud to be Vermont’s longest serving senator, and I hope that my work has made a difference for Vermonters and beyond. I’ve brought Vermont’s voice to the United State Senate and Vermont’s values around the world,” said Leahy. “While I’ll continue to serve Vermont, Marcelle and I have reached the conclusion that it is time to put down the gavel. It is time to pass the torch to the next Vermonter who will carry on this work for our great state. It’s time to come home.”
Following the news of Leahy’s retirement, Gov. Phil Scott thanked the senator for five decades of service on behalf of all Vermonters. “The Senator has been an incredible champion for Vermonters, and his leadership and experience has ensured our state is well represented in Congress. It is thanks to him, and the funding he’s secured for our state, that Vermont is in a position to come out of this pandemic stronger than before and tackle big challenges from broadband and infrastructure to the opioid crisis. We are indebted to him,” said Scott.
He added, “On a personal note, I greatly appreciate the Senator’s friendship and his willingness to work with me and my team over the last five years. It is with the greatest respect and gratitude that I wish him, Marcelle and their entire family all the best for a bright future, and…enjoyment throughout a well-deserved retirement.”
Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Peter Welch also offered their congratulations to Leahy Monday.
“[Leahy] leaves a unique legacy that will be impossible to match. Jane and I wish him and Marcelle a wonderful and well-earned retirement,” said Sanders.
Welch said, “…It is hard to imagine the United States Senate without Patrick Leahy. No one has served Vermont so faithfully, so constantly, so honestly, and so fiercely as Patrick.”
In April 2022, Sen. Leahy will be releasing a memoir titled “The Road Taken,” which will look back on a life lived on the front lines of American politics.
Senator Leahy will be retiring in January 2023.