Manhattan Congressman Jerry Nadler, a liberal stalwart on Capitol Hill for more than three decades, says he will not seek reelection next year, intensifying a generation change atop the Democratic Party.

His exit likely sets up a busy race to succeed him.

In a statement Tuesday, the 78-year-old wrote that “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.”

Nadler has been a fixture on Capitol Hill since 1992 — George H.W. Bush’s final year as president.

On Tuesday, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Nadler a “legend.”

“He's been one of the leading voices for civil liberties, Civil Rights and the Constitution in modern American history,” Jeffries said.

During his 17 terms in Co

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