Maryland Senator Ulysses Currie, Democrat from Prince George’s and former chair of the Budget and Taxation Committee, is retiring next month after serving for 30 years.

Senator Currie submitted his resignation letter to Senate President Mike Miller this morning. Reports The Washington Post: 

Currie, a resident of District Heights, was a member of the House of Delegates from 1987 until 1995, when he was elected to the Senate. During his three-decade career he became one of the most powerful and popular lawmakers in Annapolis.

“Sen. Currie has served the citizens of District 25 and the entire county very well,” said Del. Dereck E. Davis (D-Prince George’s), chairman of the House Economic Matters Committee. “He will be sorely missed.” …

“He wasn’t afraid of giving young people an opportunity,” said Davis, who was 27 years old when he first ran on the senator’s slate. “None of us would have won without his support and guidance.”

Prince George’s Democratic Central Committee will recommend a replacement to Governor Larry Hogan to fill the Senator’s seat.

Read The Washington Post‘s coverage on Senator Currie’s distinguished career here.