AP Sources: Democratic Sen. Mikulski to announce retirement

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Barbara Mikulski, the longest serving woman in the history of Congress, is announcing her retirement, Democratic officials say.

The 78-year-old Maryland Democrat, now in her fifth term, is set to make a statement at a news conference in Fells Point in Baltimore later Monday. Her retirement could set off a race among potential candidates to succeed her, including Rep. Chris Van Hollen and former Gov. Martin O’Malley, who is considering a bid for president.

Mikulski became the longest-serving woman in the history of Congress in 2012. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1976 and has served in the Senate since 1987. Mikulski is up for re-election next year, but has declined in the past to say whether she would run for what would be a sixth term. The deadline for filing is in January 2016.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss her plans.

In her state, she has been fiercely protective of the environment, especially Chesapeake Bay issues.

In a 2014 interview, Mikulski said her approach as chair of the appropriations panel was “to focus with civility and courtesy. Old school values. Don’t do surprises or stunts and negotiate directly and not through the press.”