Rep. Jerold Nadler, a Democrat who has represented parts of New York City in the U.S. House of Representatives for over 32 years, will retire next year, The New York Times reported on September 1.
Nadler, a 78-year-old former chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, helped lead the perpetrator process against President Donald Trump during his first term at the White House.
“When I see Biden, I said something about the party’s need for generational change, so I want to respect that,” Nadler told the Times in an exclusive interview. Questions surrounding former President Joe Biden’s age have swirled during his bid for reelection in 2024, and Biden ultimately ended his campaign after a disastrous debate over Trump.
In July 2024, Nadler was among those who said Biden should quit the presidential election.
The longtime councillor, who graduated from Columbia University, won his first congressional election in 1992 after serving eight terms in the New York State Legislature. His district has been reorganized or changed at least three times, but Nadler continues to win reelection.
New York Attorney General Letitia James took him to X on September 1, and Nadler said, “I was dedicated to fighting for the principles that New Yorkers, Americans and our country was built, especially for justice. His work makes our country better and as he leaves the public service, his legacy will never be forgotten.”
New York City Councilman Eric Bocker said in a statement that Nadler was “one of the most effective progressive leaders of our time, and his retirement marks the end of the era of New York and the nation.”
In June, Nadler called for a Congressional investigation after an aide in his Manhattan office was handcuffed and taken into custody by Department of Homeland Security officials. The case comes after aides saw a federal agent detaining immigrants outside the courtroom, located in the same building as Nadler’s office. Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin responded in a statement that the aides “have become verbally conflicted and physically blocked access to the office.”
The competition to replace Nadler could draw some candidates. At least one person had already announced plans to challenge him in the next election. Liam Elkind is a Democrat who co-founded the invisible nonprofit hands during the Covid-19 pandemic.
After news of his resignation was broken on September 1, Elkind, 26, shared with X that the first vote he ever cast was for Nadler. “He has led this district and this country with humanity, kindness and intelligence. We are better for his leadership,” Elkind said. “His progressive vision for this country is an inspiration for me and I am grateful that I grew up being represented by him.”
