House Dem serving since 1993 announces she won’t seek re-election
Democratic Representative Nydia Velázquez of New York, a pioneering figure in American politics and the first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress, has announced her decision not to seek re-election after more than 30 years of dedicated service. In her heartfelt statement, Velázquez reflected on her tenure, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent the people of New York City in the U.S. Congress since 1993. She emphasized that this decision was not made lightly, but she believes it is time for a new generation of leaders to emerge. Throughout her career, Velázquez has been a prominent member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, championing progressive causes and advocating for civil rights, particularly in the face of challenges posed by the Trump administration.
Velázquez’s departure marks a significant moment in Congress, as she has been a steadfast advocate for her constituents and a vocal critic of policies she perceives as detrimental to democracy and civil rights. Her legacy includes not only her groundbreaking role as a Puerto Rican woman in Congress but also her relentless fight for social justice and equality. Colleagues such as Representative Jerry Nadler have praised her as a “progressive trailblazer” and a passionate advocate for the underprivileged and for Puerto Rico. Nadler, who also announced he would not seek re-election in 2026, acknowledged the importance of passing the torch to the next generation of leaders, underscoring the broader generational shift currently taking place within the Democratic Party.
As Velázquez prepares to conclude her congressional career, her influence and commitment to progressive values will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. Her decision to step down is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of the evolving political landscape, where new voices and perspectives are increasingly vital. The upcoming election will provide an opportunity for fresh leadership to emerge in her district, potentially reshaping the future of representation for Puerto Rican communities and progressive causes in Congress.
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Democratic Rep. Nydia Velázquez of
New York
— the first Puerto Rican woman ever elected to Congress — announced she will not seek re-election next year after more than three decades in office.
“For more than three decades, I have had the privilege of a lifetime serving the people of New York City in the United States Congress. After much reflection, I have decided that this will be my last term in Congress. This was not an easy decision, but I believe that the time is right for me to move on and for a new generation of leaders to step forward,” she said in a
statement
.
The long-serving lawmaker first took office in 1993 and has been a prominent member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus throughout her tenure.
Velázquez used her announcement to criticize President
Donald Trump’s
administration, accusing it of “working to undermine civil rights and our democracy.”
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Fox News Digital reached out to the
White House
for comment.
“It has been a great honor to work with my colleague, friend, and fellow New Yorker, @NydiaVelazquez,” Rep.
Jerry Nadler
, D-N.Y., said in a post on X. “The first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress, Nydia ‘La Luchadora’ has been a progressive trailblazer and fighter for her district, the poor, and Puerto Rico.”
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Velázquez and Nadler are both listed as members of the
Congressional Progressive Caucus
.
“I know, most importantly, she will be a missed friend to progressive causes in the halls of Congress. Like her, I understand that there comes a time to pass the torch to the next generation to be the fighters in DC that we need,” Nadler noted in the
post
.
DEMOCRATIC REP. JERRY NADLER WILL NOT SEEK REELECTION
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Nadler announced earlier this year that he will not pursue re-election in 2026.
