Rep. Nydia Velásquez announced she will not seek reelection in New York’s 7th Congressional District.
File photo by Todd Maisel
U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, the veteran progressive congresswoman who has represented New York’s 7th Congressional District for more than three decades, announced Thursday that she will not seek reelection next year.
Velázquez, who is 72 years old and was first elected in 1993, called for a new generation of the Democratic Party to step forward.
“There is still so much work to be done, and I feel the urgency of this moment every day. Our country faces crises on multiple fronts. Every day the Trump administration is working to undermine civil rights and our democracy,” Velázquez said in a statement, “At the same time, the American Dream is slipping further away for working people as wealth inequality worsens and life becomes less affordable. But I believe in the resiliency of the American people and the ability of a new generation of leaders who are ready for these great challenges.”
Nydia Velásquez, also known as “La Luchadora,” was known for her grit and trailblazing spirit.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann
She called serving New Yorkers in Congress “the honor of my life,” adding, “Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey; nothing I have accomplished would have been possible without your support.”
Velásquez made history as the first U.S. representative born in Puerto Rico, and became a defining figure in New York politics. She chaired the House Committee on Small Business, led the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and championed working-class New Yorkers and testified at the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Her tenacity in office earned her the nickname “La Luchadora,” or “The Fighter.”
Her retirement marks the second departure this year from New York City’s congressional delegation. U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler (NY-10) announced his retirement in September after 34 years of service.
Velásquez declined to tell The New York Times her preferred successor, but her open seat will attract significant interest ahead of the primaries. The 7th district stretches from parts of northeast Brooklyn and western Queens, in areas that overwhelmingly went to mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in the Nov. 4 mayoral election.
News of her departure quickly prompted reactions from city leaders.
Nydia Velázquez joins Nadler as the second NYC congressmember to announce their retirement.Wikimedia Commons/Rhododendrites
Mayor-elect Mamdani, whom Velázquez endorsed early in the election cycle, said in a statement on X that she “has always been a champion and tireless advocate for immigrants, small businesses and working families.”
“Your grace and fight showed us what real leadership looks like. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, La Luchadora.”
Velázquez said Mamdani’s election signaled New York is ready for new leadership, and would be taken care of.
“New York’s recent mayoral election showed that Americans are hungry for change and determined to build a better future,” she said in a statement. “My district is home to so many dedicated elected officials, community leaders, and activists, and I have complete confidence that NY-7 will remain in good hands.”
City Councilmember Lincoln Restler said on X that Velázquez is “the best elected official I’ve ever met.” He added that she was a mentor to him and “scores of others.”
Velázquez added in her statement that she “does not know what the next chapter holds.”
“But I know I will continue fighting for the city I love and an end to Puerto Rico’s colonial status.”