Jerry Nadler Steps Down, Says Biden’s Struggles Highlight Party’s Age Problem [WATCH]

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) announced that he will not seek re-election to the House of Representatives next year, bringing an end to a 34-year tenure representing Manhattan in Congress.

Nadler, 78, told the New York Times that his decision was driven by a desire for generational change within the Democratic Party.

He also indicated that Joe Biden’s struggles with age and health factored into his decision.

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“Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party,” Nadler said.

“And I think I want to respect that.”

He added that a younger successor “can maybe do better, can maybe help us more.”

BREAKING: Democrat Rep Jerry Nadler won’t seek reelection

Good riddance 👋 pic.twitter.com/Wpp6qU8FKU

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 2, 2025

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The announcement sets up a highly competitive race for his seat in Manhattan.

A Democratic Party insider told the New York Post, “It’s a big deal. Nadler is a legend. He’s an institution in both Manhattan and Washington. His retirement represents a generational opening. I could see at least a half dozen people running for that seat in a Democratic primary.”

Potential candidates reportedly include New York State Assemblyman Micah Lasher, New York City Councilman Erik Bottcher, and former New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer.

Stringer, who also served as Manhattan Borough President and a state assemblyman representing the Upper West Side, has long been considered a close ally of Nadler.

While Nadler did not publicly endorse a successor, the New York Times reported that he intends to back Lasher, his former aide, in 2026.

Rumors about Nadler’s possible retirement have circulated for years, particularly amid concerns about his age and health.

He underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2002 after struggling with obesity and was hospitalized in 2019 after nearly collapsing during a Manhattan press conference.

In recent years, he has also been observed falling asleep during House Judiciary Committee hearings.

Nadler stepped down as chairman of the Judiciary Committee late last year, making way for Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.).

As head of the panel, Nadler played a central role in the two impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump.

The congressman said he had delayed his retirement in the past in part because of Trump’s presidency, but he now believes it is time for older Democrats to step aside.

“I’m not saying we should change over the entire party,” he told the New York Times.

“But I think a certain amount of change is very helpful, especially when we face the challenge of Trump and his incipient fascism.”

Nadler was first elected to Congress in 1992 and is currently the 10th most senior member of the House of Representatives and the eighth most senior Democrat, according to Axios.

He is among four House Democrats retiring without pursuing another office.

Following his announcement, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) issued a statement praising Nadler’s long career.

“As Dean of the New York delegation, Congressman Nadler has been a dear friend and valued mentor to myself and so many others throughout the People’s House,” Jeffries said.

He described Nadler as a “proud son of New York City” and a “relentless fighter for justice, civil rights and liberties and the fundamental promise of equality for all.”

“Jerry’s years of leadership have earned him a spot among our nation’s greatest public servants,” Jeffries added.