“Lion of the Senate” Mike Miller Resigns After 45 Years
Maryland Sen. Thomas V. Mike Miller announced his resignation on Wednesday from Maryland’s Senate after serving for 45 years.
Last year he stepped down as the Senate’s president after 33 years– the longest a Senate President has served in the country. Miller continued to work in the chamber as a representative for Prince George’s, Calvert and Charles counties.
The 78-year-old politician has battled Stage 4 prostate cancer since 2019, which was the reason he resigned from his leadership role in the Senate.
In his announcement today, Miller confirmed that the cancer has spread. “My heart and my mind remain strong, but my body has grown too weak to meet the demands of another legislative session,” Miller wrote in his letter of resignation.
Miller told listeners in a news broadcast that he wished to be remembered as a hard working, ethical politician, who loved the Chesapeake Bay and education. “And as a result, a lot of positive legislation flowed into the floor, across the floor and to the House and to the governor’s signature,” Miller said.
After hearing the news of Miller’s retirement, Maryland politicians have spoken out about Miller’s political legacy. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich praised Miller’s ability to work across the Senate aisle. “He understands people — and he understands politics. As a result, he built successful coalitions when the time came for change, whether it was the need to make major investments in the State’s public schools or pass stricter gun laws.”
U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen recognized Miller’s impact on the State Senate. “Senator Miller has dedicated his life to serving Marylanders and set the gold standard for true leadership in the State Senate. I was proud to serve with him. He is a dear friend and his mentorship and wisdom remain invaluable to me.”
In a statement, Governor Larry Hogan recounted his memories of Miller which spanned from Hogan’s childhood to his position as Maryland’s governor. “I have known Mike since I was a kid, and it has been one of my greatest privileges as governor to serve alongside him. He will go down in our state’s history as a lion of the Senate.”
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