Michigan Dem Sandy Levin to retire from Congress

Longtime Rep. Sandy Levin (D-Mich.) plans to retire at the end of his current term, he said Saturday.

Levin, who has served in Congress for nearly 35 years, planned to make his retirement announcement later this weekend, The Detroit News reported.

His son, Andy Levin, as well as state Sen. Steve Bieda (D), are reportedly thought to be likely contenders to replace the congressman.

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“I’ve always looked up to Sandy and have appreciated his common decency and friendship, and I have many warm memories of working together on issues important to the people we are honored to represent,” Bieda said in a statement to The Hill.

Levin, 86, has served for years on the House Ways and Means Committee, playing an influential role in recent years.

Levin was the highest-ranking Democrat on the panel from 2010 to 2016, and was chairman during the passage of the Affordable Care Act.

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.) said in a statement that Levin “will be long-remembered as a steadfast champion for hard-working families in Michigan and across America.”

“His tireless pursuits on behalf of working men and women on tax policy, health care, and trade have shaped the lives of millions of Americans for the better. It was an honor to serve with him and to call him a friend,” Crowley said.

“I know Sandy will remain a champion for these issues even after his retirement. I wish him and Dr. Cole a peaceful and well-deserved retirement.”

The news of his retirement comes as another longtime Democratic Michigan congressman is considering resigning from his post amid sexual misconduct allegations. 

Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) will decide in the coming days whether he will depart his post amid the claims, according to his lawyer. 

Updated: Dec. 3 at 10:24 a.m.