Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, the longest-serving current member of the U.S. Senate, announced Monday that he will not seek re-election in 2022.

What You Need To Know

  • Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, the longest-serving current member of the U.S. Senate, announced Monday that he will not seek re-election in 2022

  • Leahy, who was first elected in 1974, has served in the Senate for 8 terms

  • As President pro tempore of the Senate, Leahy is third in line for the presidency

  • Leahy, a major fan of comic books, particularly the superhero "Batman," has appeared in 5 "Batman" films, as well as an episode of "Batman: The Animated Series"

"It is time to pass the torch to the next Vermonter who will carry on this work for our great state," Leahy said Monday that he and his wife, Marcelle, determined. "It’s time to come home."

Leahy, 81, as President pro tempore of the Senate, is third in line for the presidency. The Vermont lawmaker, who was first elected in 1974, has served in the Senate for 8 terms. Leahy is one of the so-called "Watergate Babies," elected following President Richard Nixon's resignation. 

During his time representing the Green Mountain State, Vermont has shifted from one of the most conservative states to one of the most progressive.

"I know I have been there for my state when I was needed most," Leahy said. "I know I have taken our best ideas and helped them grow. I brought Vermont’s voice to the United States Senate and Vermont values across the world."

"Very few in the history of the United States Senate can match the record of Patrick Leahy," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said. "He has been a guardian of Vermont and more rural states in the Senate, and has an unmatched fidelity to the Constitution and rule of law."

"We agreed and worked on so many important issues together, but sadly, one thing we could never agree on: whether New York or Vermont has the best maple syrup," Schumer joked.

Leahy's retirement creates the first vacancy in the state's congressional delegation in more than 25 years, and will no doubt embolden challengers on both side of the aisle to try and replace the legislative giant.

One possibility to replace Leahy could be Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., the state's lone representative in the House. Welch, a close ally of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, enjoys strong fundraising and approval ratings.

"It is a historic and bittersweet day," Welch said in a statement. "Like so many Vermonters, I appreciate the incredible service that Patrick J. Leahy and Marcelle Leahy have given all of us in Vermont for so long, but it is hard to imagine the United States Senate without Patrick Leahy. No one has served Vermont so faithfully, so constantly, so honestly, and so fiercely as Patrick."

"Patrick’s life as our longest-serving senator has been dedicated to serving Vermont, always putting Vermonters and their values and aspirations first," Welch continued. "Patrick loves Vermont and Vermonters love Patrick. While Patrick has been a giant in the U.S. Senate, consulted by presidents and world leaders, he is always happiest on his farm in Middlesex and being with his fellow Vermonters. He never left his roots in Montpelier or the values of his parents, who instilled decency, honesty, and service."

"With his wife Marcelle as a true partner in his journey, at his side every step of the way, Vermont has been enriched by their devotion to our democracy and our beloved Green Mountain State," he concluded. "Their leadership and legacy of service to Vermont will never be exceeded. Thank you, Patrick and Marcelle.”

"I know I speak for all Vermonters in expressing the deep gratitude we feel for the extraordinary role that Pat Leahy has played in representing Vermont in the U.S. Senate for the last 46 years," Sanders said, adding: "He leaves a unique legacy that will be impossible to match. Jane and I wish him and Marcelle a wonderful and well-earned retirement."

On the Republican side, a spokesperson for Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump, said that the Repubilcan executive will not vie for Leahy's seat.

"Governor Scott has been clear that he is not running for the U.S. Senate next year," Scott's spokesperson told CNN. "That has not changed."

Schumer expressed optimism that his party will hold Leahy's position, saying that "with Patrick’s help, we are confident Democrats will retain the seat."

Leahy, a major fan of comic books, particularly the superhero "Batman," has appeared in 5 "Batman" films, as well as an episode of "Batman: The Animated Series."

The Vermont lawmaker appeared in two of director Christopher Nolan's "Batman" films, "The Dark Knight" and "The Dark Knight Rises," as a member of the Wayne Enterprises board. In the 2008 film "The Dark Knight," Leahy's character defiantly tells the Joker, played by the late Heath Ledger, that "we're not intimidated by thugs."

Leahy has donated all residuals and royalties from his film appearances to the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, Vt., where he read comic books as a child.

This is a developing story. Check back later for further updates.