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After more than three decades in Congress, Rep. Nydia Velázquez — a political trailblazer and one of New York’s most influential progressive voices — announced she will not seek reelection in 2026, ending a historic run that reshaped Latino political power in the city and on Capitol Hill.
The 72-year-old congresswoman, the first Puerto Rican ever elected to the U.S. House, said in a Nov. 20 statement that she had “poured her heart” into the job but believes it is time for a new generation to step forward. Her decision instantly detonates a political sprint in one of the most fiercely progressive districts in America.
Velázquez has represented parts of Queens and Brooklyn since 1992, becoming known as “La Luchadora” — The Fighter — for ousting nine-term Rep. Stephen Solarz and opening doors for Latinas nationally. She has been a mentor to a new wave of progressive lawmakers, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Throughout her career, she cultivated a reputation as a consistent voice against war, a defender of immigrant communities, and a champion of small businesses. She opposed the 2003 invasion of Iraq and more recently has been outspoken in calling for a Gaza ceasefire.
In her retirement announcement, Velázquez said she first ran because “immigrants, workers, and families struggling to get by” weren’t being heard. More than three decades later, she said those communities face new crises but insisted she trusts the leaders rising behind her.
Her departure instantly transforms New York’s 7th Congressional District into one of the hottest battlegrounds of 2026. NY-7 — stretching across Long Island City, Sunnyside, Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and Bushwick — is a progressive stronghold where Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani dominated precincts with more than 80% of the vote.
No candidates had announced prior to her retirement because Velázquez’s hold on the district was that strong.
Now, the field is expected to explode.
Progressives will see NY-7 as a must-win ideological seat.
Establishment Democrats risk being outflanked from their left.
Local organizers, activists, and state legislators are already being floated as potential contenders.
Political insiders say the race to replace her is likely to mirror — or surpass — the frenzy unleashed when Rep. Jerry Nadler announced his retirement in District 12 earlier this year.
Velázquez has not named a preferred successor but told The New York Times she may consider an endorsement closer to the June primary.
Velázquez’s rise rewrote the political possibilities for Latinas in New York and Washington. Before reaching Congress, she became the first Latina to serve on the New York City Council. Later, she broke another barrier as the first Latina to chair a full committee in Congress when she led the Small Business Committee. She also chaired the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and played a key role in the confirmation of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Her legacy includes decades of mentorship to up-and-coming progressive lawmakers and relentless advocacy for Puerto Rico, small business owners, renters, and working-class New Yorkers.
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani called Velázquez a “champion and a tireless advocate” for immigrants and families struggling to get by, saying, “Your grace and fight showed us what real leadership looks like.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries described her as “a trailblazer, a transformational figure, and a tenacious truth-teller,” adding that she will be “deeply missed” in the Democratic caucus.
“There is nobody better to have in your corner than Nydia,” Jeffries said.
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