New York, NY - September 7, 2020: Congressman Jerry Nadler speaks at US Senator Chuck Schumer and members of NY House delegation media briefing on 3rd avenue in Manhattan. (Photo credit: lev radin / Shutterstock)
A powerhouse House Democrat's decision Monday to bow out of the 2026 midterms and end his 34-year tenure in Congress reverberated across the internet and stunned political observers.
Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) 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.”
The bombshell announcement shocked the internet.
Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News wrote on X, "Huge news from @npfandos Jerry Nadler will retire. An open House seat in the heart of [M]anhattan."
His reaction led to Jessica Piha, who runs communications for USA Facts, to quip back, "About time."
Journalist Yashar Ali wrote on X, "This opens up a very prominent seat — Nadler represents a big chunk of Manhattan."
John Bresnahan of Punchbowl news wrote on X, "End of an era. Nadler has been a figure in NYC politics since the mid-1970s. But Nadler was replaced as the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee this year. So his retirement isn't a real shocker."
Adam Carlson, founding partner of Zenith Polls, wrote on X, "He was already being challenged by Liam Elkind but I’d be very surprised if Assemblyman Micah Lasher (of the UWS) — a former Nadler aide — didn’t run It might get very crowded. This a very coveted district filled with lots of ambitious people."
Independent journalist Ken Klippenstein wrote on X, "Wow: 78 year old congressman Jerry Nadler decides not to seek reelection, saying Biden fiasco showed need for 'generational change.'"
Zaid Jilani, author of The American Saga newsletter, wrote on X, "Jerry Nadler, one of the most senior Jewish Members of Congress announces he will retire. Interestingly in this article he says he will stop voting for offensive weapons for Israel, which he says is committing mass murder.
Amanda Litman, President of Run for Something," wrote on X, "This is what patriotism and true egoless leadership looks like."
Bloomberg columnist Matthew Yglesias wrote on X, "Nadler’s had a great career, a few bad calls like anyone but also been involved in many important things. Correct to step aside and let someone else take a shot at the job."