Washington D.C. was undoubtedly shocked this week to learn that a high-profile Democrat has decided not to make a run for an open Senate seat.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) announced this week, much to the surprise of Congress, that he would not seek the open Senate seat in his state currently held by Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD).

He will instead seek reelection in the House.

Raskin, who gained popularity as the impeachment manager of former President Donald Trump's first impeachment trial, was expected to make a run for the seat and secure a somewhat easy victory.

He explained his reasoning for not running, saying these are not "normal times" or else he would run for the Senate seat.

"But these are not normal times, and we are still in the fight of our lives for democratic institutions, freedom and basic social progress in America as well as human rights and opportunity for people all over the world," Raskin said.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) announced that he would not run for outgoing Sen. Ben Cardin’s (D-Md.) open seat in 2024, instead opting to run for reelection. https://t.co/6QheUr1KaG

— The Hill (@thehill) July 9, 2023

He added, "If I had two political careers, I would gladly give one of them to the year-and-a-half campaign for the Senate, a prospect that remains alluring to me because of my profound love for our state and the incredible people who live here. I would even be open to restarting my political career as Senator No. 99 or 100 at the bottom of a new institution."

In a statement, Raskin explained his announcement and why he chose to bypass the Senate election.

"At this moment, I believe the best way for me to make the greatest difference in American politics in 2024 and beyond is this: to run for re-election to the House of Representatives in Maryland’s extraordinary 8th District," a statement from the lawmaker read.

It added, "To mobilize thousands of Democracy Summer Fellows and raise millions of dollars and everyone’s spirit to fortify and build up Democratic majorities in the House and Senate."

"I am profoundly grateful not only to those who have encouraged me on this exciting path but also to those from all over Maryland who have strongly encouraged me to run for the U.S. Senate seat being left vacant by Sen. Ben Cardin," Raskin continued.

Raskin celebrated remission earlier this year after a bout with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, for which he received chemotherapy treatments.

Only time will tell who will make the run for Cardin's soon-to-be-vacant Senate seat.