Nydia Velasquez Not Seeking Re-election

Nydia Velasquez, the first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress, has announced that she will not run for re-election next year, marking the end of a 30-year career in office.

In a statement, she reflected, “Serving the people of New York City in Congress has been a lifelong privilege. After much thought, I’ve decided that this will be my last term. It wasn’t an easy choice, but I believe now is the right time for me to move on and for new leadership to emerge.”

Velasquez began her congressional career in 1993 and has been a significant voice within the Congressional Progressive Caucus during her time. She also took this opportunity to voice her discontent with the Trump administration, claiming it attempted to “undermine civil rights and democracy.”

New York Representative Jerry Nadler expressed his admiration for Velasquez, saying, “It has been an honor to work with my colleague and friend. Nydia, known as ‘La Luchadora’, is a true champion for her community and for progressive causes.”

Nadler himself recently announced he would not run for re-election in 2026, indicating a broader generational shift within the party.

As these long-serving representatives step down, there’s a sense that, perhaps, their departures open the door for fresh faces and ideas in the political landscape.