Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York announced on September 2, 2025, that he will not seek re-election next year, ending a 32-year tenure in Congress as he calls for generational change within the Democratic Party. The 78-year-old congressman, who represents New York’s 12th Congressional District covering Manhattan and Brooklyn, cited former President Joe Biden’s age-related challenges as influential in his decision-making process.
In his official statement, Nadler explained that watching Biden’s situation demonstrated the necessity for generational change in the party. He indicated that a younger successor “can maybe do better, can maybe help us more.” The congressman acknowledged the difficulty of his decision but expressed confidence it was the right time to pass the torch to a new generation.
Nadler’s announcement comes as he faced a primary challenge from 26-year-old Rhodes scholar Liam Elkind, who announced his candidacy in July. Elkind had criticized Nadler for lacking the energy and mentality needed to rebuild the Democrats and mount an effective challenge to President Donald Trump. Despite the competition, Elkind praised Nadler’s leadership on social media, calling him an inspiration and expressing gratitude for his representation.
The longtime congressman reflected on his extensive legislative accomplishments during his career. As chairman of the House Judiciary Committee from 2019 through 2022, Nadler oversaw both impeachments of Trump, first for abuse of power and obstruction of justice, then for inciting insurrection. He championed progressive legislation including the Equality Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the Protecting Our Kids Act, and the Dream Act.
Nadler also secured significant funding for New York City transportation infrastructure as a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. His efforts included key funding for the Second Avenue Subway project, the Gateway Program, Highline reconstruction, Penn Station transformation, and the seven line extension. Following the September 11 attacks, he fought to secure $20 billion for recovery efforts and co-authored the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act supporting first responders and survivors.
More recently, Nadler wrote and secured enactment of the Respect for Marriage Act to codify marriage equality amid growing threats to civil rights from the Supreme Court. He also worked to combat rising antisemitism in America by speaking out against hateful rhetoric and providing direct funding to protect vulnerable non-profit institutions. His voting record includes support for the Affordable Care Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, while opposing the USA PATRIOT Act and the Iraq War resolution.
President Trump responded to Nadler’s retirement announcement on September 5 with a scathing Truth Social post, calling him “one of the most disgusting Congressmen in USA History” and a “psychopathic nut job.” Trump criticized Nadler for opposing his development projects in New York City and for his role in the impeachments. Nadler dismissed Trump’s attacks, stating he has known Trump as a charlatan and describing him as a twice-impeached president, convicted felon, and chief insurrectionist.
Nadler’s decision highlights broader concerns within the Democratic Party about aging leadership. More than 80 House members are 70 or older, with Democrats having nearly double the number of septuagenarians compared to Republicans. This year alone, three House Democrats have died in office, further fueling debates about the need for younger leadership. Eight House and Senate Democrats over age 65 have announced retirements this year, with more potentially coming after the August recess.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Nadler as a tremendous champion for New Yorkers, particularly noting his efforts after the September 11 attacks. Jeffries emphasized that generational change has been underway in the House Democratic caucus for several years, with leadership embracing transitions at all levels. The 55-year-old Jeffries himself represents this changing of the guard, having taken over leadership when Nancy Pelosi stepped aside.
Political observers expect a crowded primary field for Nadler’s seat, with the Times reporting that he will likely endorse former aide Micah Lasher, 43, as his replacement. The district, which includes some of New York’s wealthiest areas in midtown Manhattan, has been a Democratic stronghold throughout Nadler’s career. When Nadler steps down at the end of his current term, he will have served 50 years in continuous elected public service to New York, having begun his political career in the state assembly in 1977.
