Representative Jerrold “Jerry” Nadler, a New York Democrat and longtime liberal voice in Congress, will not seek reelection next year, The New York Times first reported Monday night.
His decision ends a 34-year tenure in representing New York’s 12th District.
The 78-year-old congressman 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.
Liam Elkind, a 26-year-old political organizer, has already announced a run for the seat. Nadler launched his political career in the New York State Assembly in 1977, more than two decades before Elkind was born.
“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 posted on X Monday night.
According to the Times, additional Democratic candidates are expected to run for Nadler’s seat where his endorsement will be coveted.
Representative Jerrold Nadler, a New York Democrat, speaks to members of media outside Greater New York Federal Building on May 28 in New York.
Representative Jerrold Nadler, a New York Democrat, speaks to members of media outside Greater New York Federal Building on May 28 in New York.
Associated Press
Democrats Grapple with Age Issue
Former Democratic President Joe Biden‘s age was a defining issue of his presidency, with critics questioning whether the 81-year-old could sustain the demands of another term. Ultimately, Biden stepped aside amid the 2024 race after a disastrous debate performance. He endorsed then-Vice President Kamala Harris who lost the electoral college and popular vote to President Donald Trump.
The age debate has spilled into Congress where several of the Democratic Party‘s longest-serving lawmakers are also in their late 70s and 80s. Representative Maxine Waters of California, 87, and Representative Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, 82, are among the oldest House Democrats seeking reelection. Their continued presence highlights the party’s reliance on veteran leaders at a moment when younger voters are calling for change.
In December 2024, Representative Gerry Connolly, 75, defeated New York Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 35, by a 131-84 margin to become the House Oversight Committee ranking Democrat. Connolly’s victory was seen as a win for former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is said to have lobbied members to vote for him. The selection process led to criticism of the Democratic Party for maintaining a “gerontocracy,” or rule by the elderly, rather than uplifting voices from younger generations.
Since November 2022, a total of eight sitting members of Congress have died in office—and notably, all eight were Democrats. During the last congressional term, the U.S. House experienced three Democratic deaths in office, including Connolly.
At 78, Nadler is the 10th most senior member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the 8th most senior Democrat.
Nadler didn’t say which Democrats should also consider retiring, but he told the Times that other older Democrats should consider stepping aside to “face the challenge of Trump and his incipient fascism.”
“I’m not saying we should change over the entire party,” he told the newspaper. “But I think a certain amount of change is very helpful.”
Notably, Nadler recently endorsed democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, 33, for mayor of New York City.
What To Know: Nadler’s Rise in Congress
Nadler has served in Congress since 1992, representing Manhattan and becoming a prominent figure in Democratic politics. Over the course of three decades in Washington, he 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 Trump, first in 2019 then in 2021 after Trump’s first term. Nadler played a central part in high-profile debates over the limits of executive power and 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.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said in a statement, “A proud son of New York City, Rep. Nadler has been a tremendous champion for the New Yorkers he is privileged to represent. 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.”
Nadler’s seat has long been a Democratic stronghold. His district has included much of the west side of Manhattan and, after redistricting in 2012, parts of Brooklyn. Known for its liberal base, the area has reliably delivered wide margins for Democratic candidates at all levels, giving Nadler a secure foothold in Congress for more than three decades.
For most of his career, Nadler faced little serious opposition, routinely winning reelection by large margins. That shifted in 2022, when a court-ordered redistricting merged his district with that of former Representative Carolyn Maloney, another veteran Democrat. The matchup between two incumbents drew national attention, but Nadler prevailed handily in the primary, effectively securing another term in the heavily Democratic seat.
Nadler, the most senior Jewish member of the House, told the Times that Israel’s war in Gaza has eroded Democratic backing and strained his own pro-Israel stance. While condemning Hamas, Nadler reiterated his support for a two-state Palestinian solution, while rejecting claims that Israel is committing genocide.
Still, he believes Israel is carrying out mass murder and war crimes in Gaza. For the first time, Nadler said he will back efforts in Congress to block offensive weapons sales to Israel, though he will continue supporting funding for its missile defense systems.
“I don’t know what to say at this point,” Nadler told the newspaper. “I can’t defend what Israel is doing.”
Then-President Joe Biden reacts with then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California after he signs the Respect for Marriage Act on December 13, 2022, at the White House in Washington, D.C. At left is then-Senate Majority…
Then-President Joe Biden reacts with then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California after he signs the Respect for Marriage Act on December 13, 2022, at the White House in Washington, D.C. At left is then-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, and second from right is Representative Jerrold Nadler, a New York Democrat.
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Associated Press
Update: 9/1/25, 9:04 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
Update: 9/1/25, 9:31 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.