Democratic Congressman Jerrold Nadler who represents the New York 12th Congressional District in New York City has announced he will not seek re-election next year. Nadler is 78 years old. He was first elected to Congress in a special election in 1992. The special election was held to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Rep. Theodore S. Weiss. Nadler served as a member of the New York State Assembly from 1977 to 1992.
Nadler has been one of the more vocal critics of the Trump administration. This past May, Department of Homeland Security agents tried to barge into Nadler’s Manhattan office. A member of Nadler’s staff blocked them and they handcuffed and detained the staffer in a hallway. DHS claimed their agents were conducting a security check after receiving a report that protesters were in the office but Nadler’s office staff and a video indicated agents tried to enter Nadler’s office without a warrant after being told by his staff that they needed a warrant. Nadler’s people alleged that a federal agent pushed a staff member.
“I don’t know what the future beyond 2026 holds, but I plan to stay fully engaged in the community that is my home and in the causes that I’ve championed throughout my life,” Nadler said. “My plans for the next sixteen months, however, are clear. I will continue to give everything I have to defend our democracy, protect our institutions, and fight for the values that as Americans and New Yorkers we share.”
Nadler said that his 32 years in Congress have been an honor and he is proud to have helped pass legislation dealing with voting rights, women’s rights and gun safety.
“I’m grateful I had the opportunity to help lead our party’s efforts to preserve the rule of law and to provide for a more just society that respects the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans,” Nadler said. “That leadership includes impeaching Donald Trump twice – first for abuse of power and obstruction of justice and second for inciting an insurrection against the American people.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul called Nadler a trusted voice for New Yorkers and said she is “deeply grateful for his extraordinary service.”
