Powerhouse Dem bows out of midterms citing need for 'generational change'

Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) will not seek re-election next year, ending his 34-year tenure in Congress.

Nadler opted for retirement, citing the need for generational change within his party, The New York Times reported Monday. The 78-year-old was reluctant to step aside amid the party's opposition to President Donald Trump's erosion of democratic foundations.

“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 said. He added that a younger congress member could “maybe do better, can maybe help us more.”

While Nadler wouldn't reveal who he wants to succeed him, one person familiar with his thinking told the Times that Nadler is eyeing Micah Lasher, a loyal former aide who represents parts of the Upper West Side in Manhattan in the state Assembly.

Nadler emphasized he's not calling for overhauling the Democratic Party, however.

“I’m not saying we should change over the entire party,” he said. “But I think a certain amount of change is very helpful, especially when we face the challenge of Trump and his incipient fascism.”

Nadler is somewhat controversial for some progressives, receiving criticism for being part of the old guard and questions over whether he has the energy and will to pursue newer progressive approaches. He had faced a primary challenge from Liam Elkind, a 26-year-old Democrat, criticizing his age and approach.

The announcement comes after Nadler in December withdrew his name from consideration as the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, opening the door for Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) to take his place.

Although Nadler had initially refused to concede the chair to Raskin, he eventually endorsed his colleague for the post.

“As our country faces the return of Donald Trump, and the renewed threats to our democracy and our way of life that he represents, I am very confident that Jamie would ably lead the Judiciary Committee as we confront this growing danger,” Nadler wrote at the time.