New York Rep. Jerry Nadler Says He Won’t Seek Reelection Next Year

The 78-year-old lawmaker did not say who should succeed him, though he acknowledged that many of his allies would enter the race.

U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) joins local politicians, transportation and environmental advocates for a news conference outside the Lincoln Tunnel urging the immediate implementation of New York’s Central Business District (CBD) Tolling Program, on April 21, 2023. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) has announced he will not seek reelection next year, citing the need for “generational change” in the Democratic Party, according to an interview published Monday by The New York Times.

Nadler, who had previously served as chairman and ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, said in the interview that he believed a younger individual “can maybe do better” for the party.

Nadler said he realized the need for a generational change in the party after watching what happened to President Joe Biden, whose reelection campaign was cut short last year after his debate performance against then-presidential candidate Donald Trump prompted calls for Biden to withdraw.

The 78-year-old lawmaker did not specify who should succeed him, although he acknowledged that many of his allies would likely enter the race, according to the report.

Nadler also said that he believed some of his Democratic colleagues should consider retiring from their roles. He did not mention any names.

“I’m not saying we should change over the entire party,” he told the news outlet. “But I think a certain amount of change is very helpful, especially when we face the challenge of Trump.”

His decision came just a month after Liam Elkind, co-founder of the nonprofit food delivery service Invisible Hands, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced in July his bid for Nadler’s seat.

In a video announcing his campaign, Elkind said that he respects Nadler’s decades of service in Congress but added that he believes it is time for new leadership to take over.

“Our leaders need to answer the call now, and they aren’t. So today, I’m respectfully asking my congressman, Jerry Nadler, to consider retiring,” he said in the July video message.

“I appreciate his 50 years in office. I grew up voting for him, but we need new leaders to meet this moment.”

Elkind responded to Nadler’s announcement on retiring, praising him for his “progressive vision.” He said that Nadler has led the city “with humanity, kindness, and intelligence” throughout his tenure.

Nadler was first elected to represent New York’s 12th Congressional District in 1992 and has remained in Congress since. He is also the dean of the New York Delegation and served as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2023.

According to his biography, Nadler had previously led congressional oversight of the first Trump administration and served as a manager during the Senate trial in Trump’s first impeachment.

The Epoch Times reached out to his office for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.