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24m ago

Nydia Velázquez Will Retire After 16 Terms, Won’t Seek Re‑election in 2026

The first Puerto Rican woman in Congress says a new generation should lead.

FILE - Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-N.Y. speaks on Capitol Hill on Jan 12, 2016, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
FILE - Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-N.Y., arrives as Democrats hold elections for their new leadership for the next Congress, at the Capitol in Washington, Nov. 30, 2022. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
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FILE - Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-N.Y. speaks to reporters after addressing a Hispanic caucus at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., Sept. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)

Overview

  • She announced on social media Thursday that she will not run in 2026, calling this her final term after more than three decades in the House.
  • The 72-year-old first won the seat in 1993 and represents New York’s 7th District covering parts of Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan and Queens.
  • She is the first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress and helped launch the Women‑Owned Small Business contracting program in 2001.
  • She framed the moment as a handoff to new leaders, pointing to Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral win as evidence of voter appetite for change.
  • She pledged to keep advocating for New York City and for ending Puerto Rico’s colonial status, as prominent Democrats including Attorney General Letitia James praised her service.