New York Democratic Rep. Nydia Velázquez says she won’t run for reelection in 2026

After more than three decades of service in the U.S. House of Representatives, New York Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez announced Thursday that she will not seek reelection, planning to retire at the end of her current term in 2025.

Velázquez, 72, who earned the nickname “La Luchadora” (the fighter) throughout her career, made history as the first Puerto Rican woman to serve in Congress. Her decision marks the second departure of a long-serving New York Democrat in recent months, following Rep. Jerry Nadler’s announcement in September that he would also step down at the conclusion of this term.

“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,” Velázquez said in a statement. She described representing the people of New York City as the “privilege of a lifetime.”

Her retirement comes at a time of political transition in New York City, announced just weeks after 34-year-old Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani won the mayoral election. Velázquez had endorsed Mamdani in the city’s ranked-choice mayoral primary, along with two other candidates, in a strategic move to prevent former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s attempted political comeback.

Mamdani expressed his gratitude to Velázquez on social media, calling her “a champion and tireless advocate for immigrants, small businesses and working families.” The mayor-elect added, “Your grace and fight showed us what real leadership looks like. From the bottom of my heart, thank you La Luchadora.”

First elected in 1993, Velázquez has been a significant figure in New York and national politics for 31 years. During her congressional career, she has served as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and currently holds the position of ranking member on the House Small Business Committee while also serving on the House Financial Services Committee.

Her retirement will likely trigger a competitive Democratic primary in her district, which encompasses parts of Brooklyn and Queens. The deep-blue constituency has traditionally elected progressive representatives, and political observers anticipate a crowded field of candidates vying to replace her.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who previously served alongside Velázquez in Congress, praised the retiring representative, noting that she “has never forgotten where she came from, and she has never stopped fighting for the people she serves.”

Throughout her career, Velázquez has been known as a fierce advocate for immigrant rights, small business interests, and working-class communities. Born in Puerto Rico, she brought a crucial perspective to Congress on issues affecting the island territory, particularly during crises like Hurricane Maria and Puerto Rico’s ongoing financial challenges.

Velázquez’s announcement comes amid a broader generational shift in Congress, where numerous veteran legislators from both parties have announced their retirements in recent years. This changing of the guard has opened opportunities for younger, more diverse candidates to enter national politics, a trend that appears likely to continue in the 2026 midterm elections.

Political analysts suggest that Velázquez’s retirement may reflect Democrats’ efforts to refresh their leadership and bring forward new voices as they develop strategies for future elections. Her district, solidly Democratic, will almost certainly remain in the party’s control, though the ideological direction of her successor could influence the progressive-moderate balance within New York’s congressional delegation.

As she prepares for her final year in office, Velázquez’s legacy as a pathbreaker for Latino representation and a champion for economic justice will continue to influence the political landscape in both New York City and Washington.