State Sen. Douglas J.J. Peters (D), a veteran Prince George’s County lawmaker who finished just out of the running in the intense, behind-the-scenes battle to become Senate president two years ago, does not plan to seek re-election in 2022.
“I made the decision a while back and informed some close colleagues recently that I’m not going to run again,” Peters told Maryland Matters this week.
The 57-year-old senator, who previously served on the Prince George’s County Council and the Bowie City Council, said he expects to be able to say more about his future plans soon — but they will not involve running for office again.
Peters’ disclosure comes as at least one candidate is preparing to run for his seat: Businesswoman Sylvia L. Johnson is announcing at a fundraiser Saturday that she plans to be a candidate in the 23rd District. Johnson was gearing up to run against Peters, and may now face a different political environment in the district, which as currently drawn is centered in Bowie and stretches from South Laurel in the north and east to south of Upper Marlboro.
