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Rep. Jerry Nadler, a towering figure in New York politics and the longest-serving member of Congress from the state, announced he will not run for re-election in 2026, closing out more than three decades in Washington.
Nadler, 77, has represented a wide stretch of Manhattan since 1992 and became a fixture on Capitol Hill as a progressive stalwart and a leading Democratic voice on the House Judiciary Committee. He played central roles in three presidential impeachment proceedings, including those against former President Donald Trump.
In an interview with The New York Times, Nadler said his decision reflected the reality of a generational shift within the Democratic Party, accelerated by President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 campaign following a disastrous debate that fueled questions about his fitness for office.
“Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party, and I think I want to respect that,” Nadler told the paper.
Influence and decline
For years, Nadler was one of the most powerful Democrats in Congress, shaping debates over presidential power, civil liberties, and oversight of the Justice Department. But his influence had waned in recent years. At the start of the current Congress, House Democrats replaced him as the ranking member on the Judiciary Committee, signaling a push toward younger leadership.
Despite his long record, Nadler was expected to face stiff primary challenges in 2026 from a new generation of Democrats in one of the nation’s most liberal and heavily Democratic districts. His retirement is likely to open the door to a crowded field of progressive contenders.
A safe Democratic seat
Nadler’s Manhattan district is among the bluest in the country, ensuring it will remain in Democratic hands after the 2026 midterm elections. Still, the race to succeed him is expected to attract national attention, given the symbolic weight of replacing a veteran liberal leader.
Nadler’s decision marks the end of an era for New York Democrats. First elected to Congress in a 1992 special election, he spent more than 30 years in office, often clashing with Republican administrations and serving as a liberal counterweight to more moderate forces in his own party.
While Nadler did not outline post-Congressional plans, he suggested his focus would remain on progressive issues, though he emphasized that it was time for new voices to step forward.
