Longtime Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler to Retire from Congress in 2026
New York Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler will retire in 2026 after 17 terms, citing generational change. He chaired the House Judiciary Committee, leading President Trump's impeachment.
Longtime Rep. Jerry Nadler will not run for reelection
World News Group
Rep. Nadler won’t run for reelection, citing need for younger leaders
New York Daily News
Jerry Nadler says he will not run for reelection
Washington Examiner
Overview
- New York Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler announced his decision to retire from Congress in 2026, concluding a 17-term tenure in the House of Representatives.
- Nadler cited the need for generational change within the Democratic Party, a decision also influenced by losing his ranking member position and facing a primary challenge.
- He notably chaired the House Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2023, where he played a pivotal role in leading impeachment proceedings against President Trump in 2019 and 2021.
- Throughout his extensive career, Nadler championed progressive legislation, focusing on LGBTQ rights, abortion access, 9/11 survivor care, and codifying same-sex marriage into law.
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and New York Attorney General Letitia James praised Nadler's significant contributions to justice and civil rights upon his retirement announcement.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Nadler's retirement as a significant moment, emphasizing his long career and key roles, particularly in Trump's impeachments. While highlighting his stated reason of 'generational change,' some sources also subtly contextualize his decision by noting his waning influence and potential primary challenges, offering a nuanced view of his departure.
"Nadler's retirement marks the end of an era for New York and the nation."
USA TODAY"Nadler stated that there's a necessity for generational change in the party."
CBS News"Nadler suggested a younger Democratic lawmaker in his seat 'can maybe do better, can maybe help us more.'"
Associated Press"Nadler admitted that his party and the country were in the midst of a generational change, and it was time for him to accept that reality."
NBC NewsArticles (15)
Center (4)
FAQ
Jerry Nadler decided to retire in 2026 citing the need for generational change within the Democratic Party. His decision was also influenced by losing his ranking member position on the House Judiciary Committee and facing a primary challenge.
As Chairman from 2019 to 2023, Nadler led impeachment proceedings against President Trump in 2019 and 2021. He also advanced historic legislation including the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the Respect for Marriage Act, and initiatives to hold law enforcement accountable while protecting civil rights.
Nadler was a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights, abortion access, healthcare and compensation for 9/11 survivors, voting rights, immigration reform, and civil rights legislation including the Equality Act and the Respect for Marriage Act.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and New York Attorney General Letitia James praised Nadler's significant contributions to justice and civil rights upon his announcement to retire.
Nadler played a key role in advancing legislation that provided healthcare benefits and financial compensation to first responders and residents affected by the 9/11 attacks, including efforts to reauthorize these protections as victims continued to need care for long-term effects.
History
- 15d10 articles