After more than three decades in Washington, Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., has announced he will not run for re-election, signaling the end of a 34-year run in Congress that made him a fixture of New York politics and a heavyweight in the Democratic Party.
According to the New York Times, Nadler confirmed his plans to retire, telling the outlet, “Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party, and I think I want to respect that.”
At 78 years old, Nadler’s decision marks another chapter in the generational shift taking place within Democratic leadership.
Earlier this year, he was forced to step down as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, losing the post to a younger colleague, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md.
🚨 BREAKING: Democrat Rep. Jerry Nadler, who was accused of harboring illegal rioters in his office a couple months ago, will NOT be seeking re-election
Trump broke him 🤣
Good riddance to this weird freaking specimen. pic.twitter.com/VHRTSS4YIJ
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 1, 2025
Serving since 1992, Nadler represented Manhattan and built a reputation as a consistent liberal voice.
He became one of the most senior Democrats in the House, ranked 10th overall in seniority, according to Axios.
His exit makes him one of four aging Democrats stepping down without seeking another office, alongside Reps. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., Dwight Evans, D-Pa., and Danny Davis, D-Ill.
Over the years, Nadler built his name around civil rights, constitutional debates, and judicial issues.
Jerry Nadler is retiring. He’ll shuffle off the political stage for the last time in 2026. pic.twitter.com/pP24gh2rfr
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) September 1, 2025
He was deeply involved in shaping policy on LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive laws, and aid for survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
He also pushed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which banned discrimination against workers needing accommodations tied to pregnancy and childbirth, legislation President Joe Biden signed into law in 2022.
In explaining his decision, Nadler noted the broader calls for turnover within the party.
“I’m not saying we should change over the entire party,” he said. “But I think a certain amount of change is very helpful, especially when we face the challenge of Trump and his incipient fascism.”
Jerry Nadler is retiring.
I will miss not seeing him at press conferences pic.twitter.com/dsf8TDAhRP
— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) September 2, 2025
Nadler was one of Trump’s fiercest critics in Congress, spearheading the first impeachment effort in 2019.
He authored the initial articles of impeachment accusing the president of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after Democrats accused Trump of pressuring Ukraine to investigate his political rivals while holding up military aid.
The House voted to impeach, but Trump was acquitted by the Senate in 2020.
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Although Nadler has not endorsed a successor outright, a person familiar with his thinking told the Times he would back Micah Lasher, a New York State Assembly member representing parts of Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
Meanwhile, 26-year-old activist Liam Elkind has already declared his candidacy.
Elkind, who once urged Nadler to step aside, posted on X, “The first vote I ever cast was for @JerryNadler. He has led this district and this country with humanity, kindness, and intelligence.”
“We are better for his leadership. His progressive vision for this country is an inspiration to me, and I’m grateful that I grew up represented by him,” Elkind added.
Elkind previously told CNN, “There has to be a way of both honoring the 49-year-political career of someone like Jerry Nadler while asking him to build a bridge to the future.”
Nadler himself sounded confident that Democrats can take back the House next year.
“Then you can cut the reign of terror in half,” he said, alluding to the Republican-controlled chamber.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., praised Nadler in a statement, calling him a “relentless fighter for justice, civil rights and liberties and the fundamental promise of equality for all.”
“After the attacks of September 11, 2001, he spent years fighting for the care and support that New York City and his constituents needed to begin to rebuild and heal. As Dean of the New York delegation, Congressman Nadler has been a dear friend and valued mentor to myself and so many others throughout the People’s House,” Jeffries added.
“Jerry’s years of leadership have earned him a spot among our nation’s greatest public servants. He will be deeply missed by the House Democratic Caucus next term and we wish him and his family the very best in this new chapter.”
Nadler has also recently taken an active role in shaping New York’s political future.
Notably, he endorsed progressive figure Zohran Mamdani, 33, for New York City mayor.
Mamdani returned the favor online, writing, “For more than 30 years, when New Yorkers needed a champion, we have turned to Jerry Nadler – and he has delivered for us time and again. Few leaders can claim to have made such an impact on the fabric of our city.”
“Congress will be worse off without his leadership, but our democracy will be better for the selflessness that has defined a legendary career,” he noted.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y., also issued a tribute, describing Nadler as “a champion, a fighter, and a trusted voice for New Yorkers.”
