U.S. Congressman Jerry Nadler (D-NY) at a press conference on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019 following the vote by House of Representatives on the articles of impeachment against Donald J. Trump.

Rep. Jerrold "Jerry" Nadler, a Democratic lawmaker who has represented parts of New York City in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than 32 years, will retire next year, he announced on Sept. 2.

Nadler, the 78-year-old former chair of the House Judiciary Committee, helped lead impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump during his first term in the White House.

“For more than 32 years, I have had the honor of serving the people of New York in the United States Congress," Nadler said. "This decision has not been easy. But I know in my heart it is the right one and that it is the right time to pass the torch to a new generation.

"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 told the New York Times.

Questions surrounding former President Joe Biden's age swirled during his 2024 reelection bid, and Biden eventually ended his campaign after a disastrous debate against Trump. In July 2024, Nadler was among those who said Biden should exit the presidential race.

As Chair of the House Judiciary Committee from 2019 through 2022, Nadler said he's "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."

"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," he said.

50 years of elected office

The longtime lawmaker, a graduate of Columbia University, first won election to Congress in 1992, after serving eight terms in the New York State Assembly. Although his district has been realigned or renumbered at least three times, Nadler continued to win reelection.

"When I step down at the end of this term, I will have served for 50 years in continuous elected public service to the people of New York," Nadler said.

"I don’t know what the future beyond 2026 holds," Nadler said, adding that he would "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" in his remaining months in office.

In June, Nadler demanded a congressional investigation after an aide in his Manhattan office was handcuffed and detained by Department of Homeland Security officers.

The incident came after the aide saw federal agents detaining migrants outside a courtroom in the same building as Nadler's office. Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin responded in a statement that the aide "became verbally confrontational and physically blocked access to the office."

Others respond to Nadler's retirement announcement

New York Attorney General Letitia James took to X on Sept. 1 to say Nadler "dedicated himself to fighting for New Yorkers, Americans and the principles our country was built on, especially justice. His work made our nation better, and as he leaves public service, his legacy will never be forgotten."

New York City Councilman Erik Bottcher said in a statement that Nadler is "among the most effective progressive leaders of our time, and his retirment marks the end of an era for New York and the nation."

The race to replace Nadler is likely to draw several contenders. At least one person had already announced plans to challenge him in the next election – Liam Elkind, a Democrat who co-founded the non-profit Invisible Hands Deliver during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After news of the resignation broke on Sept. 1, Elkind, 26, shared on X that the first vote he ever cast was for Nadler. "He has led this district and this country with humanity, kindness, and intelligence. We are better for his leadership," Elkind said. "His progressive vision for this country is an inspiration to me, and I’m grateful that I grew up represented by him."

Dinah Voyles Pulver, a national correspondent for USA TODAY, covers climate change, weather, the environment and other news. Reach her at dpulver@usatoday.com or @dinahvp on Bluesky or X or dinahvp.77 on Signal.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Longtime Rep. Jerry Nadler will not seek reelection, calls for 'generational change'

Reporting by Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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