Overview
- Velázquez announced on Nov. 20 that she will not seek reelection after 16 terms, concluding a pathbreaking career as the first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress.
- She framed the decision as making room for a new generation, citing Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s victory as a sign voters want change.
- The open, majority-Latino NY-7 seat is effectively decided in the Democratic primary, with reported potential contenders including Julia Salazar, Antonio Reynoso, Jen Gutiérrez and Kristen González.
- She departs as ranking member of the House Small Business Committee and a senior member of Financial Services, with a record on small business policy, immigration and Puerto Rico self-determination.
- Tributes poured in from Democrats such as Mamdani, Gov. Kathy Hochul and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Velázquez has not named a successor but may consider endorsing closer to the primary.