Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez announced that she will not run for re-election in 2026, closing out more than thirty years of service in the U.S. House of Representatives. In her statement, she reflected on her decades of public leadership, saying, “Serving the people of New York City for over three decades has been the honor of my life. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey, nothing I have accomplished would have been possible without your support.”
A Trailblazing Leader Steps Down
Velázquez, first elected in 1992 and sworn into office in January 1993, is the first Puerto Rican woman ever elected to Congress. Her tenure has been defined by her work on economic development, immigration, small business support, and community issues across the city.
The District She Served
Velázquez currently represents New York’s 7th Congressional District, which covers neighborhoods across Brooklyn and Queens. The district includes Clinton Hill, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Bushwick and Fort Greene in Brooklyn, along with Long Island City, Hunters Point, Ravenswood and Dutch Kills in Queens.
A Wide-Open and Competitive Race Ahead
Her decision not to run again leaves the 7th District seat open for the 2026 election. With no major candidates yet formally stepping forward, the race is expected to draw significant interest, particularly within the Democratic Party, which has long held the district. The primary is anticipated to become one of the more competitive contests of the 2026 cycle.
Community Reaction and Praise for Her Legacy
Local leaders immediately began responding to the news, reflecting on Velázquez’s impact. Renee Collymore, longtime community advocate, former district leader and Democratic liaison for the 57th Assembly District, praised the congresswoman’s decades of leadership.
“We thank Rep. Nydia Velazquez for her service to the country and her dedication to important issues like immigration. She was the voice that stood up for all New Yorkers and particularly her advocacy for Puerto Rico. She is a 16-term Congress Member who has made her mark and has set the bar high. Our district is now looking forward to pushing our next Congress Member to continue to stand up for the rights of all New Yorkers, push back against those who introduce legislation that will hurt the senior population, veterans, immigrants and those who look to take away much needed healthcare services and protections. We wish her well.”
As New York prepares for the next chapter in the 7th District, Velázquez’s departure marks the end of a defining era in city politics and the beginning of an open field for new leadership.
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