The decision by the Maryland Democrat, who has served in Congress for four decades — two of them in leadership — reflected a generational and demographic shift afoot in his party.
A new trio, including Representatives Katherine Clark of Massachusetts as No. 2 and Pete Aguilar of California as No. 3 will take the reins in January, replacing Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her team.
Representatives Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Katherine Clark of Massachusetts and Pete Aguilar of California were widely expected to seek the top three slots.
A spate of positive coronavirus tests among top officials is a reminder that, even amid an attempt to pivot away from strict restrictions, the pandemic is not over.
The announcement from the Justice Department came after Gina Raimondo, the commerce secretary, and Representative Katherine Clark of Massachusetts announced their own positive tests.