From the New York Times: Representative Nydia M. Velázquez, a Democratic trailblazer who was the first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress, said on Thursday that she would not seek re-election in 2026 at the completion of her 16th term.
Ms. Velázquez, 72, cited the calls for generational change in her party, acknowledging that she had considered retiring for the last few years. But after Zohran Mamdani’s success in the November mayoral election, she felt confident that a new cohort would continue her efforts.
“I love this work and I love my district, but I believe now is the right moment to step aside and allow a new generation of leaders to step forward,” she said in an emotional phone interview from her office in Washington. “After devoting so much energy and so much time to help elect young leaders, I feel at ease,” she added, pointing to Mr. Mamdani’s election.
Her move to step down is the latest in a volatile string of developments among New York Democrats as the 2026 midterm cycle approaches.
Rep. Jerry Nadler, 78, also of New York, announced in September that he will be retiring at the end of his term as well, after having spent 33 years in Congress. Multiple young progressives have already jumped in the race for his seat.
Velázquez announced her retirement in a statement posted on X, writing, “Serving the people of New York City for over three decades has been the honor of my life. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey, nothing I have accomplished would have been possible without your support.”
The career politician said in her statement, “For more than three decades, I have had the privilege of a lifetime serving the people of New York City in the U.S. Congress.”
— Rep. Nydia Velazquez (@NydiaVelazquez) November 20, 2025
Breaking News: Nydia Velázquez, a Democratic trailblazer and 16-term New York congresswoman, announced she will retire next year. https://t.co/9tjhc33P9s
— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 20, 2025
Thank you, Nydia, for your decades of service to New York and for opening doors for so many who followed.
You made history, you mentored a generation of leaders, and you never stopped fighting. It’s been an honor working with you. https://t.co/6ty1AeON08
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) November 21, 2025
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