Nadler won't seek reelection to Manhattan House seat

Niels Lesniewski, CQ-Roll Call on Sep 2, 2025

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WASHINGTON — Democratic Rep. Jerrold Nadler, the dean of the New York delegation and former chairman of the Judiciary Committee, is not seeking reelection next year.

The retirement of Nadler, who is serving his 17th full term, will likely set up a hotly contested Democratic primary to represent an overwhelmingly Democratic district in Manhattan. Nadler, 78, said he considered the circumstances of President Joe Biden’s 2024 reelection campaign and his late decision to drop out of the race in making the decision about his own political future.

Nadler told the New York Times in an interview, “Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party, and I think I want to respect that.”

Nadler had already been ousted by the House Democratic caucus from his position as ranking member on the Judiciary Committee, where Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland now serves as the top Democrat. And Nadler was already facing the prospect of a primary challenge in his district, with nonprofit CEO Liam Elkind already in the race.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., praised Nadler’s work on national issues, including the two impeachments of President Donald Trump, as well as his work closer to home.

“A proud son of New York City, Rep. Nadler has been a tremendous champion for the New Yorkers he is privileged to represent. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, he spent years fighting for the care and support that New York City and his constituents needed to begin to rebuild and heal,” Jeffries said in a statement. “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.”

The New York Times also reported, citing a person familiar with the congressman’s thinking, that he intended to back Upper West Side Assemblyman Micah Lasher if he were to enter the race. Lasher is a former Nadler aide.