WASHINGTON —  Rep. Al Wynn, D-Md., will leave his seat in June to take a job at a law firm and give his Democratic successor a chance to get a running start on the job.

Wynn already had lost his bid for re-election in Maryland's Feb. 12 primary to Democratic rival Donna Edwards. Edwards is expected to be a shoo-in in November's general election in the heavily Democratic-voting district.

Wynn is among a minority of Democrats who are known not to be returning in November. Most of those who have decided not to seek re-election, or have left the House already this congressional session, are Republicans.

Wynn will join the Washington, D.C., law firm Dickstein Shapiro as a partner, according to a statement from his office.

"My leaving early will also allow our Democratic nominee Donna Edwards the opportunity to successfully navigate a special election and be sworn in this summer. This will not only give her seniority in the incoming Congressional class of ’09, but more importantly, will allow her to get off to a fast start in serving the citizens of our community. I offer her my best wishes and stand ready to assist in any way possible," he said.

Republican Rep. Wayne Gilchrist of Maryland also lost his re-election bid in the state primary.