Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler announced on Monday, September 1, 2025, that he will not run for re-election in 2026 and, in January 2027, will conclude a 34-year tenure in Congress representing the 12th District of New York, which includes Manhattan. The 78-year-old Nadler highlighted the importance of generational change within the Democratic Party as a key reason for his decision.
In an interview with The New York Times, published on September 1, 2025, Nadler mentioned that observing former President Joe Biden’s political decline played a role in his choice. He stated, “watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party” and expressed a commitment to uphold that principle. Nadler suggested that a younger representative might serve the district more effectively.
The announcement follows a primary challenge from 26-year-old Democrat Liam Elkind, who launched his campaign about a month ago. Elkind’s campaign has respectfully urged Nadler to retire, arguing that the congressman lacks the energy required to revitalize the Democratic Party and effectively oppose President Donald Trump.
Nadler represents a district that includes Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and Midtown. The district has been a Democratic bastion throughout Nadler’s service, consistently yielding strong margins for Democratic candidates.
Since entering Congress in 1992, Nadler has been a prominent voice on civil rights, judicial, and constitutional matters. He gained national attention as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2023, where he played a significant role in both impeachment proceedings against Trump during his first term.
Nadler has led several legislative efforts, including the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which bans employment discrimination against workers needing reasonable accommodations due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This legislation was signed into law by President Biden in 2022.
Nadler’s health has been a topic of discussion in recent years. After struggling with obesity for decades, he underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2002. In 2019, he was hospitalized following a near-collapse at a Manhattan 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 to make way for a younger colleague, Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland. In a letter to colleagues, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead efforts in preserving the rule of law and promoting civil rights.
While Nadler has not publicly endorsed a successor, sources suggest he is likely to support former aide Micah Lasher, 43, who currently represents the Upper West Side and West Harlem in the New York State Assembly. Lasher secured his Assembly seat in 2024 after defeating a more progressive opponent and has worked under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Governor Kathy Hochul.
Several other candidates are expected to enter what is anticipated to be a competitive Democratic primary. Assembly Member Alex Bores and New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher are seriously contemplating campaigns and have begun reaching out to potential supporters. Other potential candidates include City Council Members Keith Powers and Julie Menin, former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, who has denied interest in running, state Senator Liz Krueger, and Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries commended Nadler as a dedicated advocate for New York, noting his commitment to supporting 9/11 first responders after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Jeffries described Nadler as both a mentor and a valued friend, acknowledging his place among the nation’s esteemed public servants.
Nadler’s announcement aligns with several other Democratic retirements this cycle, including Representative Dwight Evans of Pennsylvania, Representatives Danny Davis and Jan Schakowsky of Illinois, and Senators Gary Peters of Michigan, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and Tina Smith of Minnesota.
While Nadler does not advocate for a complete overhaul of Democratic Party leadership, he believes some generational transition could be beneficial, especially in light of the current political climate. At 78, Nadler is the 10th most senior House member and the eighth most senior Democrat.
Elkind, who founded an organization during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver food and medicine, acknowledged Nadler’s service and progressive vision. The young challenger shared that his first vote was for Nadler and expressed gratitude for the congressman’s representation.
