Changes happen all the time in politics. But this is stunning.
And a top Democrat has announced their retirement that has the political world in a state of shock.
Nadler’s Long Overdue Exit
Veteran Democrat Jerry Nadler from New York has finally decided to hang up his congressional hat after a staggering 34 years representing Manhattan. At 78 years old, he’s stepping aside, and it’s about time the old guard makes way for someone who might actually shake things up.
Nadler pointed to the urgent need for a “generational change” in his party as the main driver behind his retirement. He even hinted that witnessing Joe Biden’s embarrassing downfall played a role in his choice.
“Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party,” the congressman said to the New York Times, “and I think I want to respect that.”
He went on to say that handing the reins to a younger Democrat “can maybe do better, can maybe help us more.”
With Nadler’s departure, his blue seat in Manhattan is set to attract a swarm of ambitious Democrats eager to grab the prize. Expect a fierce primary battle as the party’s insiders scramble for position.
“It’s a big deal. Nadler is a legend. He’s an institution in both Manhattan and Washington,” a Democrat insider said to the New York Post. High praise from within the echo chamber, but to many Americans, Nadler’s “legend” status means decades of pushing radical left-wing agendas.
The insider also stated, “His retirement represents a generational opening. I could see at least a half dozen people running for that seat in a Democratic primary.” That’s code for a messy fight among progressives who all think they’re the next big thing.
Names already floating as potential successors include state Assemblyman Micah Lasher and City Councilman Erik Bottcher. Don’t count out Scott Stringer, the former New York City Comptroller and Manhattan Borough President. As a longtime Nadler ally and ex-state assemblyman from the Upper West Side, he’d fit right into the establishment mold.
Nadler hasn’t publicly endorsed anyone yet, but reports suggest he’s leaning toward backing Lasher, his former aide, come 2026, per The New York Times.
Whispers about Nadler’s retirement have circulated for years, fueled by worries over his advancing age and shaky health. The man has battled obesity for decades, only turning to gastric bypass surgery back in 2002.
Things got dramatic in 2019 when Nadler nearly collapsed at a press conference in Manhattan and had to be rushed to the hospital. Incidents like that raise serious questions about whether these aging lawmakers are fit to serve. More recently, Nadler has been spotted nodding off during House Judiciary Committee hearings.
As the former chairman of that influential committee, Nadler stepped down from the top spot near the end of 2024, handing it over to Jamie Raskin (D) from Maryland.
During his tenure, Nadler spearheaded the two sham impeachments against President Donald Trump. Those witch hunts were nothing more than partisan theater, wasting taxpayer dollars and dividing the nation.
Nadler admitted that Trump’s presidency made him reluctant to retire earlier. But now, he claims it’s time for more of his elderly Democratic peers to step aside and let the next wave take over.
“I’m not saying we should change over the entire party,” he said to the Times. “But I think a certain amount of change is very helpful, especially when we face the challenge of Trump and his incipient fascism.”
First sent to Congress in 1992, Nadler ranks as the 10th most senior House member overall and the eighth among Democrats, per Axios. That’s a lot of time accumulating power without much to show for everyday Americans.
Stay tuned to the Conservative Column.
