Hoyer joins Pelosi in not running for Democratic leadership but will remain in House

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, the second ranking Democrat in the chamber, announced on Thursday he will not seek re-election to the Democratic leadership team in the new Congress.

The Maryland Democrat's announcement follows House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's decision to remain in Congress and not seek the role of Democratic leader.

"I have decided not to seek elected leadership in the 118th Congress – it is time for me to continue my service in a different role," Hoyer, 83, said in a statement. "I intend to return to the Appropriations Committee to continue my work focusing on education, health care, and our workers."

Hoyer was first elected to the House in 1981.

House Majority Whip James Clyburn, the third ranking Democrat in the House, signaled he might not run for a leadership role either.

"Speaker Pelosi has left an indelible mark on Congress and the country, and I look forward to her continued service and doing whatever I can to assist our new generation of Democratic Leaders which I hope to be Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar," Clyburn, a South Carolina Democrat, wrote on Twitter on Thursday. 

Clyburn, 82, was first elected to the House in 1993.

Clyburn's office did not return a request for comment before press time.