Jerry Nadler, one of the most senior Democrats in Congress and a prominent critic of President Trump, is finally releasing his grip on power after 34 years in Washington D.C.

The 78-year-old confirmed to the New York Times that he is not seeking an 18th term in 2026, sending shockwaves through national politics.

Nadler did not immediately endorse a successor in his solidly liberal and affluent Manhattan district, but a contentious primary battle for his coveted seat appears likely. According to the Times, Nadler is prepared to back state assemblyman Micah Lasher, 44.

Top Democrat retiring

His retirement is a huge shakeup in Democratic leadership, where Nadler has held sway for years, emerging in the Trump era as a prominent, and feisty, antagonist of the president.

Midway through Trump's first term, Nadler became chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, a role he used to advance two failed impeachments.

“I look back with great pride on all that I’ve been able to accomplish in Congress," he said in a statement. "That leadership includes impeaching Donald Trump twice– first for abuse of power and obstruction of justice and second for inciting an insurrection against the American people."

Outside targeting Trump, Nadler became known as a staunch liberal and supporter of abortion, gays, transgenders, and immigrants, calling foreigners the "lifeblood" of America. He meant that literally, insisting America must keep its borders open to the Third World to compensate for falling birthrates.

High praise

Upon announcing his retirement, Nadler was praised to the skies by his fellow Democrats, who called him a towering figure.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) called Nadler a "relentless fighter for justice, civil rights and liberties and the fundamental promise of equality for all."

“As Dean of the New York delegation, Congressman Nadler has been a dear friend and valued mentor to myself and so many others throughout the People’s House,” Jeffries said.

Passing the torch

In an interview with the Times, Nadler explained that he does not want to repeat the mistake that octogenarian Joe Biden made by seeking re-election last year. Many Democrats still blame Biden for their present morass, although many say the party's problems run much deeper than the stubborn ambition of one old man.

“Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party,” Nadler told the New York Times, “and I think I want to respect that.”

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

Nadler has weighed in on New York's upcoming mayoral race, endorsing socialist upstart Zohran Mamdani, who has energized the progressive left.

A divisive primary fight appears all but certain in Nadler's tony district, which embraces all of Midtown Manhattan and the Upper East and West sides.