Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler announced on Monday evening that he will not pursue reelection in 2026, concluding a 34-year tenure in Congress representing Manhattan, New York City. The 78-year-old Nadler cited the need for generational change within the Democratic Party as the main reason for his decision to step aside.
Speaking to The New York Times on September 1, 2025, Nadler noted that witnessing the decline of former President Joe Biden influenced his decision. He remarked that “watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party” and underscored his commitment to that principle. Nadler suggested that a younger representative might better serve the district.
The announcement follows roughly one month after 26-year-old Democrat Liam Elkind initiated a primary challenge against Nadler. Elkind positioned his campaign as a respectful request for Nadler to retire, arguing that the congressman lacked the vitality needed to revitalize the Democratic Party and effectively oppose President Donald Trump.
Nadler represents New York’s 12th Congressional District, which includes Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and Midtown. This affluent district has been a reliable Democratic stronghold during Nadler’s service, consistently delivering wide margins for Democratic candidates.
Nadler joined Congress in 1992 and quickly became a prominent voice on civil rights, judicial, and constitutional issues. He gained national attention as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2023, playing a key role in both impeachment proceedings against Trump during his first term.
Throughout his congressional career, Nadler led significant legislative efforts, including the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which prohibits discrimination against employees who need reasonable accommodations due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. President Biden signed this into law in 2022.
Nadler’s health has been a topic of discussion in recent years. He struggled with obesity for several decades before undergoing gastric bypass surgery in 2002. In 2019, he was hospitalized after nearly collapsing during a Manhattan, New York, press conference, and he has been observed dozing off during House Judiciary Committee hearings.
In December 2024, Nadler voluntarily stepped down from his leadership role on the House Judiciary Committee, endorsing younger colleague Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland. He expressed gratitude to his colleagues for the opportunity to lead efforts in preserving the rule of law and promoting civil rights.
While Nadler did not publicly endorse a successor, sources familiar with his views suggest he will likely support former aide Micah Lasher, 43, who currently represents the Upper West Side and West Harlem in the New York State Assembly. Lasher won his Assembly seat in 2024 after defeating a more progressive challenger and has worked for former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Governor Kathy Hochul.
Several potential candidates are expected to enter what insiders anticipate will be a crowded Democratic primary. Assembly Member Alex Bores and New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher are both considering runs and have started reaching out to supporters. Other rumored candidates include City Council Members Keith Powers and Julie Menin, former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, who has openly denied having any interest in running, state Senator Liz Krueger, and Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries commended Nadler as a champion for New York, emphasizing his commitment to advocating for 9/11 first responders after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Jeffries characterized Nadler as a mentor and valued friend, acknowledging his status as one of the nation’s distinguished public servants.
Nadler joins several Democratic lawmakers who have announced retirements this cycle, including Pennsylvania Representative Dwight Evans, Illinois Representatives Danny Davis and Jan Schakowsky, and Senators Gary Peters of Michigan, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and Tina Smith of Minnesota.
The congressman emphasized that while he does not advocate changing the entire Democratic Party leadership, he believes some generational transition would be beneficial, particularly given the challenges posed by the current political environment. At 78, Nadler ranks as the 10th most senior House member and eighth most senior Democrat.
Elkind, who founded an organization during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver food and medicine, praised Nadler’s service and progressive vision. The young challenger noted that his first vote was cast for Nadler and expressed gratitude for growing up under his representation.
