Overview
- Velázquez announced she will not seek reelection in 2026, ending more than three decades representing parts of Brooklyn and Queens.
- The first Puerto Rican woman elected to the House leaves a legacy in small-business policy and Latino representation, including leadership of the Small Business Committee and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
- She linked her decision to the rise of younger progressives, noting Mamdani’s recent mayoral victory as evidence the city is ready for change.
- The open NY-7 seat is expected to draw a crowded Democratic primary, with potential contenders such as Julia Salazar, Antonio Reynoso, Jen Gutiérrez and Sandy Nurse reported.
- Velázquez has not named a successor and says she may endorse closer to the June primary, while pledging to keep advocating for New York and Puerto Rico’s political status.