Representative Nydia Velázquez has declared her intention to retire at the end of her current term, marking the conclusion of a distinguished career spanning over three decades in Congress. On Thursday, the 72-year-old congresswoman announced she would not seek re-election in 2026, after serving 16 terms. Velázquez, the first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress, cited the need for generational change within the Democratic Party as a significant factor in her decision.
In an emotional phone interview, Velázquez expressed her contentment with her accomplishments and her confidence in the next generation of leaders. “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,” she stated. This sentiment was reinforced by the recent election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor, which she viewed as a sign that her efforts to promote young leadership would continue.
Velázquez’s political journey began in 1992 when she won a seat in Congress by defeating a nine-term incumbent in a newly drawn majority-Hispanic district. Her tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including being the first Latina to chair the Small Business Committee. In that role, she championed initiatives aimed at supporting women-owned businesses through innovative contracting programs.
As political commentator Gerson Borrero noted, Velázquez possessed a unique ability to advocate for small enterprises, stating, “She knows that if you fund right… that these people had the right ideas, they didn’t have the money.” Known affectionately as “La Luchadora” or The Fighter, she has championed not only her local constituents but also broader representation for Latinas in politics, contributing to the appointment of Justice Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.
Reflecting on her service, Velázquez emphasized her pride in her work while acknowledging the difficulty of her decision to retire. “This was not an easy decision,” she said, “but I believe that the time is right for me to move on and for a new generation of leaders to step forward.”
The announcement of her retirement has sparked speculation regarding potential candidates vying for her seat, which encompasses parts of Queens and North Brooklyn. This district is recognized as one of the most left-leaning in the United States, having overwhelmingly supported Mamdani in the recent mayoral primary.
According to analysts, the upcoming congressional primary is expected to attract a diverse array of progressive candidates, including members of the Democratic Socialists of America. Democratic strategist Trip Yang highlighted a key question: whether Velázquez’s successor will be a “socialist or a non-socialist progressive.”
Among the names being discussed as potential contenders are Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, and City Councilmember Tiffany Cabán, among others. The competitive nature of the primary reflects the district’s progressive values and the legacy Velázquez leaves behind.
Velázquez’s roots trace back to Puerto Rico, where her early experiences shaped her political ambitions. A 1992 article from The New York Times detailed her upbringing in a modest home, where discussions about political rights and workers’ issues were commonplace. She credits her father, a passionate advocate for his community, as a significant influence on her desire to pursue a career in politics.
As Velázquez prepares to close this chapter of her life, she leaves behind a powerful legacy of advocacy and representation. Her contributions to both her constituents and the broader Puerto Rican community, who lack voting representation in Congress due to their colonial status, will not be forgotten.
In light of her retirement, many are reflecting on her significant impact and the path she has paved for future leaders. The political landscape in New York City is poised for change as new candidates emerge, eager to continue the work of a trailblazer who fought tirelessly for her community.
