ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland State Senator Mike Miller announced his resignation from office today citing deteriorating health. The Democrat represented Prince George’s County and parts of SOMD for 46 years and served as Senate President for 33 years.
In his resignation letter Miller wrote, “My heart and my mind remain strong, but my body has grown too weak to meet the demands of another legislation.” He resigned from his Senate leadership position last year.
He joined the Senate in January of 1975 and represented Prince George’s County until 2002. From 2003 – 2014, his district encompassed Prince George’s and Calvert Counties. Since 2015, it has included Calvert, Charles, & Prince George’s County.
The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners has issued the following statement in response the retirement of State Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. “Mike” Miller, Jr.:
“Senator Mike Miller is a first-rate legislator, a man of the highest integrity and a true gentleman. His accomplishments on behalf of District 27 and all Marylanders over the past five decades are incalculable. The enduring effects of his distinguished service and tremendous leadership will be felt for many decades to come. It has been a privilege to work with him in service to the people of Calvert County. Our thoughts and good wishes are with Senator Miller and his family.”
Governor Larry Hogan today issued the following statement on the retirement of Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. “Mike” Miller:
“On behalf of a grateful state, I want to thank my good friend Senate President Emeritus Mike Miller for 50 incredible years of service to the people of Maryland.
“Over the weekend, I spoke to President Miller as he prepared to make this difficult announcement. It was a deeply personal and heartfelt conversation, as ours have always been. 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.
“The First Lady and I ask all Marylanders to join us in praying for Mike and his family.”
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen said, “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. As he continues his battle with cancer, he knows that Katherine and I are in his corner every step of the way.”
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after Senator Thomas V. “Mike” Miller Jr. announced he is resigning from the Maryland Senate:
“Thomas V. ‘Mike’ Miller is one of the giants of Maryland history, and the history of the Maryland General Assembly. His retirement announcement brings to a close an extraordinarily productive and consequential career. For fifty years, Mike Miller has served the people of Maryland with honor and distinction. His determination and resolve in the face of his illness reflect both his courage and his grace.
“Though Mike will be leaving the Senate, his legacy fighting for equality for all, access to education, affordable health care, economic opportunities, and protecting the Chesapeake Bay will continue to bear fruit for the people of the state he served so well for so long.
“Mike Miller has been my friend and colleague for more than half a century. Every time he ran for office, we ran on a ticket together. He could be tough and gruff and even profane, but his heart has been filled with a compassion and concern for the people he served, directly and indirectly. His absence from the Senate will render it a lesser place.
“I have been honored and privileged to have Mike as a dear friend. Though he is leaving office, I know he won’t stop fighting for Marylanders. I will continue to keep him in my prayers.”