NY’s Nadler to Retire from Congress, Points to Biden in Need for ‘Generational Change’

Rep. Jerrold “Jerry” Nadler, a New York Democrat and longtime liberal voice in Congress, will not seek re-election next year, the New York Times first reported Monday night.

His decision ends a 34-year tenure. The move is expected to trigger a crowded Democratic primary for a rare open seat in Manhattan.

Nadler, 78, said he was reluctant to step down but ultimately agreed it was time for generational change.

“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 Times.

Nadler has served in Congress since 1992, representing Manhattan and becoming a prominent figure in Democratic politics. Before his election to the House, he served in the New York State Assembly. Over the course of three decades in Washington, Nadler established himself as a leading voice on civil rights, judicial matters and constitutional issues.

He rose to national prominence on the House Judiciary Committee, where he eventually became chairman. In that role, he oversaw two impeachments of President Donald Trump, first in 2019 then in 2021 after Trump’s first term, and played a central part in high-profile debates over the limits of executive power. Nadler also pushed legislation related to LGBTQ rights, reproductive access and long-term aid for 9/11 first responders.

His tenure has been defined by a focus on legal oversight and progressive policy priorities, leaving him among the most influential House Democrats of his generation.

This is a breaking news article. Updates to follow.