Longtime Rep. Jerry Nadler’s (D-NY) retirement is expected to spark a wide Democratic primary for his successor, opening the doors for yet another example of how the party will adhere to calls for generational change.

Nadler, 78, the longest-serving New Yorker, announced Monday that he will not seek reelection in 2026, ending his 34-year career in Congress. He didn’t comment immediately on a successor, but New York politicos are now looking inward to see who will replace one of the state’s most prominent Jewish leaders. 

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The congressman already attracted one primary challenger: Liam Elkind, 26, the CEO of a nonprofit group. In his announcement video, he said it was time for a younger voice in Congress. 

Other strong potential candidates include Assembly Member Micah Lasher, Assembly Member Alex Bores, and New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher, according to City and State New York.

Jacob Rubashkin, deputy editor at Inside Elections, anticipated that more than 20 people could realistically run for Nadler’s vacant seat, which is expected to remain in Democratic hands. He also noted that a familiar face and fellow colleague of Nadler’s could shake things up.

“This is going to battle royale — and don’t sleep on the possibility Dan Goldman switches districts since NY-12 fits him better, and lets more progressive candidates fight over NY-10,” Rubashkin said.

Lasher, 43, served as an aide to Nadler, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY), and former Mayor Michael Bloomberg. He defeated his more progressive challenger to win the seat representing the Upper West Side and West Harlem.

Bottcher, 46, represents much of Manhattan’s neighborhoods, including Greenwich Village, Chelsea, and Hell’s Kitchen. Prior to serving on the city council, he worked in former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration, handling marriage equality issues.

He celebrated Nadler’s years of service in a statement to X on Monday evening.

“Let us honor Jerry’s extraordinary legacy not only with gratitude, but by carrying his fight forward with the urgency this moment demands,” Bottcher said. “From protecting democracy to advancing equality to defeating fascism, we must take his work further.”

Bores, who is around a decade younger than either Lasher or Bottcher, represents the east side of Manhattan and is in his second term in the state legislature. He gained a reputation for introducing numerous bills to regulate artificial intelligence technology.

He also praised Nadler’s years in politics in a statement.

“From the NY Assembly to the US Congress, Congressman Nadler has always led with the conviction of his beliefs and a deep commitment to his constituents,” Bores said. “The people of the 12th Congressional District deserve that kind of [representation].

City and State New York reported that Lasher is likely to be the top target to beat for Democrats, given his young age and connection to Nadler. He gained credibility with the party’s grassroots base after endorsing New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, whom Nadler also endorsed. As a staunch supporter of Israel, Lasher has become a bridge for pro-Israel New Yorkers who are concerned about Mamdani, a self-proclaimed socialist and Muslim, winning the election this fall.

Nadler’s retirement is one of four from the House Democratic caucus this cycle, opting to vacate their seats instead of face progressive challengers and competitive primary races in 2026. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) announced her retirement in April after gaining a primary challenger in Kat Abughazaleh, 26.

Other retirees include Reps. Dwight Evans (D-PA) and Danny Davis (D-IL). 

However, many older and establishment Democrats are facing primary challengers next year and, for now, are not retiring. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), a 15-term incumbent, is facing a challenge from a 37-year-old former staffer. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is facing a primary competitor who is a former aide to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-CA).

Younger Democrats have been eager for generational change within the congressional delegations in the wake of the 2024 election. Former President Joe Biden was insistent on running for reelection, but eventually, due to mounting pressure from Democratic colleagues and polling, he stepped aside for former Vice President Kamala Harris to secure the nomination.

Nadler said the fervor surrounding Biden and the growing stubbornness of elderly members in politics clinging to power pushed him to the decision to retire.

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“Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party, and I think I want to respect that,” the congressman told the New York Times, adding that a younger successor “can maybe do better, can maybe help us more.”

“I’m not saying we should change over the entire party,” he continued. “But I think a certain amount of change is very helpful, especially when we face the challenge of Trump and his incipient fascism.”