"DOVER, Del. — Democratic Sen. Tom Carper of Delaware announced Monday that he will not seek reelection to a fifth term in the U.S. Senate.

Carper’s announcement paves the way for a wide-open contest for the seat he has held since 2001 in heavily-blue Delaware. It also ensures that his unblemished record of never having lost an election during more than four decades in politics remains intact.

Carper, 76, said at a Wilmington news conference that he and his wife, Martha, began talking months ago about what he should do next. The options, according to the former two-term governor, were vying for a record 15th statewide election win, or to just “ride off into the sunset and call it day.”"

Randall Chase reports for the Associated Press May 22, 2023. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"How Tom Carper Made His Mark As A Biden-Era Climate Leader" (The Hill) [3]

"Carper Retirement Sets Up Committee Leadership Shuffle" (Roll Call) [4]