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Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) announced she will not run for re-election, marking the end of a 34-year career in public service. “Serving the people of New York City for over three decades has been the honor of my life,” Velázquez said, reflecting on her journey.
The 72-year-old, who became the first Puerto Rican woman to serve in Congress in 1993, emphasized her commitment to her district, stating, “I love this work and I love my district, but I believe now is the right moment to step aside and allow a new generation of leaders to step forward.”
Velázquez’s retirement comes as a significant development for New York’s political landscape. She highlighted the city’s recent mayoral election as evidence of Americans’ desire for change, noting, “New York’s recent mayoral election showed that Americans are hungry for change and determined to build a better future.”
Her support for Zohran Mamdani’s campaign for New York mayor was noted by Mamdani, who described her as “a champion and tireless advocate for immigrants, small businesses and working families.”
The 7th District, which includes parts of Brooklyn and Queens, is expected to see a crowded Democratic primary. Velázquez’s 17th term in office and her role as ranking member of the House Small Business Committee, where she served as chair twice, underscores her influence.
She described having “a pipeline of young elected officials that will step in and represent the district here with dignity, with compassion, with commitment.” However, she added, “I don’t want to put my finger on the scale,” emphasizing her desire to let candidates make their case without interference.
Velázquez’s career has been defined by her focus on immigrants, federal aid for Puerto Rico, and working-class issues. She has also been a vocal opponent of the Trump administration’s deportation agenda, frequently appearing at 26 Federal Plaza in lower Manhattan.
With no other candidates having filed to run for her seat, the political landscape remains uncertain as she prepares to step down.