Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), a longtime liberal voice in the House and former chairman of the Judiciary Committee, announced he will not seek re-election in 2026, marking the end of a congressional career that has spanned more than three decades.
Call for Generational Change
Nadler, 78, told The New York Times his decision reflects a broader recognition that the Democratic Party must make room for younger leadership.
“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. “I’m not saying we should change over the entire party. But I think a certain amount of change is very helpful, especially when we face the challenge of Trump and his incipient fascism.”
At the start of this Congress, Nadler was forced to step aside from Judiciary Committee leadership, losing out to younger colleagues.
Fierce Critic of Trump
Nadler has been one of Donald Trump’s sharpest critics in Congress, a rivalry stretching back to the 1980s when the two clashed over Manhattan real estate projects.
As Judiciary chairman, Nadler shepherded articles of impeachment against Trump in 2019.
He warned fellow Democrats that Trump’s leadership style posed an existential challenge to democratic norms.
Potential Successors
Nadler declined to speculate publicly on who might succeed him in representing New York’s 12th District, which includes parts of Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
However, a source close to him told the Times that he is expected to back Assemblymember Micah Lasher if he runs.
Reactions From Colleagues
Tributes poured in from fellow Democrats following Nadler’s announcement.
Zohran Mamdani, New York City mayoral candidate, praised Nadler on X as a “champion” for progressives: “Few leaders can claim to have made such an impact on the fabric of our city.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) called Nadler a “relentless fighter for justice, civil rights and liberties” and praised his post-9/11 advocacy for New Yorkers.
“Jerry’s years of leadership have earned him a spot among our nation’s greatest public servants,” Jeffries said. “He will be deeply missed by the House Democratic Caucus.”
Looking Ahead
Nadler’s departure leaves open a high-profile seat in New York City politics and sets up a competitive race as Democrats aim to reclaim the majority in 2026.
