Representative Jerrold Nadler of New York, one of the longest-serving Democrats in Congress and a fixture of Manhattan liberal politics, has reportedly now announced he will not seek reelection in 2026.
The decision, he said, reflects the need for “generational change” within his party—a call that comes as Democrats continue to reel from former President Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race and President Donald Trump’s subsequent victory.
Nadler, 78, told The New York Times in an interview published Monday evening that Democrats must hand the reins to younger leaders. “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. A younger successor, he added, “can maybe do better, can maybe help us more.”
The veteran lawmaker, who first entered public office a half-century ago, conceded that stepping aside would not be easy. “I have mixed feelings,” he told NewsNation’s Jackie Koppell. “Obviously, I’ve done this for a long time. I’ve done the work and feel I’ve done good work for the country. To stop doing it in a year and a half is going to be wrenching but on the other hand, I’ve been in public office for 50 years. It’s time to do something else, although I’ll continue to be engaged politically, obviously.”
Nadler reportedly shared his decision with The Times last week under the condition it be held until this week, when lawmakers return from their summer recess.
The announcement follows his earlier move to step aside from the contest to lead Democrats on the powerful House Judiciary Committee, citing the same desire to promote new leadership.
Nadler rose to the chairmanship of that panel during Trump’s first term and played a central role in orchestrating both impeachment efforts against him.
Democrats, meanwhile, have faced internal strife over aging leadership. Biden’s late decision to withdraw from the 2024 campaign under pressure over his declining mental acuity left the party scrambling, with many insiders blaming that chaotic exit for Trump’s electoral comeback.
Against that backdrop, Nadler’s decision underscores growing unease about a Democratic Party that, for many voters, remains dominated by figures approaching or well past 80.
His retirement is expected to ignite a crowded primary in his wealthy Manhattan district, a seat long viewed as safely Democratic.
According to The Times, Nadler intends to support Micah Lasher, a former aide who now serves in the New York State Assembly, should he enter the race. Lasher declined to comment.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York praised Nadler as “a relentless fighter for justice, civil rights and liberties and the fundamental promise of equality for all.” In a statement, Jeffries lauded Nadler’s roots: “Born to a Jewish chicken farmer in Brooklyn and guided by his background and deeply ingrained values, Congressman Nadler has never forgotten his roots. He has dedicated his life to eradicating discrimination wherever and whenever it exists.”
Nadler himself suggested his departure should not be an isolated case. “I’m not saying we should change over the entire party,” he told The Times. “But I think a certain amount of change is very helpful, especially when we face the challenge of Trump and his incipient fascism.”
For conservatives, Nadler’s exit marks not just the retirement of a Democratic stalwart but also the fading of a generation that spent years attempting—and failing—to stop Trump.
The timing leaves Democrats divided and grasping for new leadership while Republicans prepare to advance their agenda under a resurgent Trump.
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