Rep. Jerrold Nadler, a New York Democrat, will not seek reelection after over 30 years in Congress, citing the need for generational change within the party. The 78-year-old former House Judiciary Committee chair told The New York Times that former President Joe Biden’s health issues influenced his decision to retire, believing a younger successor could better address challenges like “Trump and his incipient fascism.”
Nadler faced a primary challenge from 26-year-old Liam Elkind, who raised over $340,000 in a day, campaigning for “new leaders.”
Jerry Nadler is retiring.
— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) September 2, 2025
I will miss not seeing him at press conferences pic.twitter.com/dsf8TDAhRP
Nadler’s exit aligns with other senior Democrats retiring, including Sen. Dick Durbin, 80, and Rep. Lloyd Doggett, who will not run unless Texas’ redistricting is overturned. Rep. Greg Casar, 36, is running for Doggett’s seat.
Jerry Nadler is retiring. He’ll shuffle off the political stage for the last time in 2026. pic.twitter.com/pP24gh2rfr
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) September 1, 2025