Rep. Nydia Velázquez just felt it was time — and she hopes other longtime officials will take her cue.

The 72-year-old Democrat was first elected to Congress in 1992. She’s seen the character of the neighborhoods she represents in Northern Brooklyn and Western Queens change dramatically as gentrification brought waves of newcomers and increased pressure on longtime immigrant enclaves.

But she took heart that some of the younger officials she mentored in her progressive mold are established and rising. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso is 42. State Sen. Julia Salazar is 34. Both have been immediately mentioned by Democratic strategists and in the press as possible successors.

Velázquez isn’t endorsing anyone for her seat in the 7th District yet, but says she’s certain a good can

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