Longtime Manhattan Congressman Jerry Nadler’s announcement that he will retire at the end of his current term has jolted New York’s political establishment and set off a frenzied scramble among Democrats eager to claim his influential seat. After more than three decades in Congress—where he rose to become a leading liberal voice and chaired the House Judiciary Committee during President Donald Trump’s first impeachment—Nadler, 78, declared this week that he will not seek reelection in 2026, citing a desire to "pass the torch to a new generation."
"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 told The New York Times in an interview disclosing his plans. His decision marks the end of an era for the 12th Congressional District, which stretches from Union Square to the top of Central Park and has been a Democratic stronghold for decades. Nadler is the 10th most senior member of the House and the 8th most senior Democrat, according to Newsweek.
House Democrats applauded Nadler’s move, but few have indicated they’ll follow his lead just yet. "Every member has to make their own decision," Rep. Nydia Velázquez told NOTUS. "There are so many factors that people take into account, and so that is an individual decision." Still, Nadler’s retirement has intensified pressure within the party to embrace younger leaders—a theme that has become increasingly prominent as Democrats look to the 2026 midterms and beyond.
The open seat is already attracting a diverse array of potential candidates, setting the stage for what could become one of the most crowded and closely watched primaries in recent memory. Among those reportedly considering a run are Empire State Assemblyman Micah Lasher, New York City Councilman Erik Bottcher, former New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, state Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and nonprofit founder Liam Elkind—the only candidate officially in the race so far, according to The New York Times.
Lasher, 43, is a former aide to Nadler and is expected to receive his endorsement, though Nadler told The Times that "any decision about endorsing a successor is way down the road." Lasher, who has supported politicians across the political spectrum from Michael Bloomberg to democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, said in a statement that he would "take a very serious look" at a potential candidacy. Bottcher, 46, also cited threats posed by Donald Trump as a reason for considering a run, saying, "Stepping forward now would be one of the most meaningful ways to fight back, and I’m giving it serious consideration."
Former Rep. Carolyn Maloney, who lost her seat to Nadler in a redistricting showdown three years ago, revealed on September 3 that she is keeping her options open and being urged to run for her old House seat. "I think right now, I’m going to keep my options open and my eyes open," Maloney told WABC’s "Cats & Cosby Show." She added, "We have an election on Nov. 5 … a very important one for mayor, city council, comptroller … we’ve got to get through that, but I will tell you, people have been calling me, from Washington, electeds and constituents, and others, urging me to run." Maloney, 79, argued that New Yorkers "need someone who can pick up where Jerry left off," emphasizing, "We don’t need someone who needs an intro to Congress 101."
Speculation has also swirled around prominent political dynasties. Reports surfaced this week suggesting Chelsea Clinton, vice chair of the Clinton Foundation and daughter of former President Bill Clinton, might consider a run. However, her spokesperson confirmed to the Washington Examiner on September 3 that she is not considering a run for Nadler’s soon-to-be-vacant seat, dismissing the rumors. Clinton has repeatedly insisted over the years—including statements in 2019 and 2017—that she has no plans to enter politics. As she told Variety in March 2017, "I am not running for public office."
Jack Schlossberg, 32, the grandson of John F. Kennedy, is another name generating buzz. He told The New York Times on September 2 that a campaign for Nadler’s seat is "certainly a possibility," his clearest signal yet that he may consider following in his family’s political footsteps. Schlossberg, an attorney and writer, has hinted at political ambitions before and has recently caught attention for his comedic social media videos lampooning political figures.
The field is expected to grow even more crowded in the coming months. Other names being floated include Lina Khan, the former Federal Trade Commission chair and a favorite among progressives, who currently teaches at Columbia Law School. While Khan told The Times in July that she did not plan to seek elected office, her spokesman declined to comment when asked if her thinking had changed after Nadler’s announcement. Alex Bores, a 34-year-old assemblyman from the East Side, said he was "humbled" by the support he was receiving but had not reached a decision. Whitney Tilson, a financier who previously ran a long-shot campaign for mayor, also signaled interest.
Despite the rush of interest, several well-known Democrats have already ruled themselves out. State Senator Liz Krueger joked by text, "I will be one of the few residents NOT forming an exploratory committee for this seat." Councilwoman Gale Brewer, who represents the West Side, told a reporter, "I like my job. I don’t want to go raise $500,000 in a week." Julie Menin, an East Side councilwoman, is reportedly focused on running for Council speaker rather than Congress.
The district’s diversity—spanning progressive artists, centrist corporate leaders, and everything in between—means the primary will likely test the full range of Democratic Party ideologies. Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America’s New York chapter, told The New York Times that while the 12th District hadn’t been a "high priority" before Nadler’s announcement, that could change if a candidate aligned with their values steps forward.
For many local voters, Nadler’s departure is bittersweet. Outside Zabar’s on the Upper West Side, residents offered their own wish lists for the next representative. "I would like someone that’s louder," said Janis Cooke, 77, a retired computer programmer. Cynthia Green, 68, added, "Enough experience to make sense, but not old." Others, like Pamela Meltzer, simply said, "I just like the idea of Nadler there."
With the primary set for June 2026 and the filing deadline still months away, speculation and maneuvering are certain to intensify. The contest for Nadler’s seat—described as "a crown jewel" by longtime friend Ken Sunshine—will not only showcase the strength of New York’s Democratic bench but also serve as a test of the party’s direction in an era defined by generational change and shifting political winds.
As the district braces for a once-in-a-generation political battle, all eyes will be on Manhattan to see which contender can both honor Nadler’s legacy and chart a new path for one of the country’s most storied congressional seats.
