Jerry Nadler to Retire After 34 Years in Congress
After more than three decades in Congress, Representative Jerry Nadler of New York has announced that he will not seek re-election. This decision will mark the end of a long political career that shaped both New York City and national politics. At 78 years old, Nadler explained that his decision was motivated by a desire for generational change within the Democratic Party. He noted that watching President Biden’s tenure reinforced the idea that it was time for younger leaders to take the stage.
Nadler has been a fixture in Washington since 1992, representing Manhattan’s West Side and parts of Brooklyn. Over the years, he became one of the most recognizable liberal voices in the House. His influence was especially felt when he chaired the powerful House Judiciary Committee, where he led the effort to advance articles of impeachment against former President Donald Trump in 2019. Nadler and Trump’s rivalry actually began long before Trump entered politics—stretching back to the 1980s over disputes involving Manhattan real estate developments.
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While Nadler has not said definitively who should succeed him, reports suggest that he may support Micah Lasher, a member of the New York State Assembly, if Lasher chooses to run. Nadler himself emphasized that multiple candidates would likely step forward, showing that he wanted a competitive and fair process for his replacement.
Tributes poured in quickly after his announcement. New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani called Nadler a champion of progressivism and praised him for consistently delivering for New Yorkers. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries described him as a “relentless fighter for justice, civil rights, and equality,” highlighting Nadler’s efforts in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks when he pushed tirelessly for health care and aid for affected New Yorkers. Jeffries added that Nadler’s legacy of leadership earned him a place among the most respected public servants of his time.
Nadler’s career was not without its struggles. At the beginning of this congressional term, he was forced to give up his Judiciary Committee leadership role, as the party shifted toward younger members. But instead of holding on, Nadler acknowledged the importance of change. In his own words, he stressed that while the entire party should not be remade overnight, a measure of fresh leadership was necessary—especially in facing challenges posed by figures like Trump, whom he once described as a growing threat of “incipient fascism.”
Even as he prepares to step down, Nadler remains confident about his party’s prospects. He expressed optimism that Democrats could retake the House in the next election, suggesting that such a shift would “cut the reign of terror in half.”
After 34 years of service, Nadler leaves behind a complicated but impactful legacy: one of fierce battles, high-profile clashes, and steadfast representation of his New York district. While Congress will soon move on without him, the imprint of his career is expected to remain deeply woven into the political fabric of both the city he represented and the nation he helped shape.
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