Rep. Jerry Nadler, one of the most prominent Democrats in New York and the longest-serving member of the state’s congressional delegation, announced he will not run for re-election.
Nadler, 77, has represented much of Manhattan for decades and played a central role on the House Judiciary Committee, where he oversaw three presidential impeachments. But in an interview with The New York Times, Nadler said it was time to acknowledge what he called a “generational change” in his party and the country.
“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 said, referring to President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside in the 2024 election after a widely criticized debate performance raised doubts about his age and fitness.
Nadler was already bracing for a tough Democratic primary in 2026, with younger, more progressive challengers expected to enter the race. His influence in Washington had also slipped. At the start of this Congress, Democrats replaced him as their top member on the Judiciary Committee, a move that signaled the push for new leadership.
Even so, his departure won’t change the balance of power in Congress. Nadler’s Manhattan district is one of the safest Democratic seats in the country, making it almost certain to remain blue in the midterms.
