MARYLAND Reps. Steny H. Hoyer and Constance A. Morella, colleagues for many years in the General Assembly as well as Congress, also share the distinction of bucking party trends in last week's elections.

Mr. Hoyer, of Southern Maryland, is one of the few Democrats with something to celebrate in the wake of sweeping GOP victories. Ms. Morella of Montgomery County was one of only three House Republicans ousted.

Through them, Marylanders stand to both gain and lose in a changing of the guard that is bittersweet.

Following the Democrats' election debacle, House Minority Leader Richard A. Gephardt announced he would not seek re-election to the post, clearing the way for Minority Whip Nancy Pelosi to move up. Her move, in turn, will allow Mr. Hoyer to finally claim the job he has been seeking for at least 11 years.

If all goes as expected in party balloting Thursday, Mr. Hoyer's promotion will mark a long-stalled step up the ladder for a guy who has been considered an up-and-comer since his student days at the University of Maryland.

The Democrats' fair-haired boy became the youngest president ever of the state Senate in 1975, but stumbled a few years later in a bid for governor. He came to Congress in 1981, and rose quickly to join the small circle of party leaders but couldn't claim one of the two or three jobs. He lost bids for whip twice, first in 1991, and then last year to Ms. Pelosi in a bitter contest.

But Mr. Hoyer, 63, swallowed his disappointment, and set about lining up support for the next time the job came open.

Now more of a gray-haired party elder, Mr. Hoyer's new role may be to offer a moderating influence to the liberal inclinations of Ms. Pelosi, 62, a California Democrat and daughter of former Baltimore Mayor Thomas D'Alesandro Jr.

Ms. Morella, 71, was the victim of a Democratic one-two punch. First, her district was redrawn to minimize her political base, then state Sen. Christopher Van Hollen Jr. waged a skillful campaign to lure away her Democratic supporters.

Her loss was devastating, but she accepted it with the grace that has marked her long career and made her one of Maryland's most popular politicians regardless of party label.

She still has much to contribute, and may get a chance locally since Republicans will soon be in control of the governor's mansion.

And, as Mr. Hoyer's career proves, with every loss comes new opportunity.