Long-Serving NYC House Democrat Rep. Velázquez Will Not Seek Reelection in 2026

The retirement of the first Puerto Rican woman in Congress opens a competitive fight to replace her in a safely Democratic New York City seat.

Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.) speaks at a hearing on "Stolen Taxpayer Funds: Reviewing the SBA and OIG Reports of Fraud in Pandemic Lending Programs" in Washington on July 13, 2023. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

Democratic Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.) announced on Nov. 20 that she will not seek reelection in 2026 after more than three decades representing parts of New York City.

“For more than three decades, I have had the privilege of a lifetime serving the people of New York City in the United States Congress,” she said in her announcement.