U.S. Representative invites the next generation to fill her place in Congress
On November 20, U.S. Representative Nydia Velázquez announced that she will not seek reelection in 2026.
“For more than three decades, I have had the privilege of a lifetime serving the people of New York City in the United States Congress. After much reflection, I have decided that this will be my last term in Congress. This was not an easy decision, but I believe that the time is right for me to move on and for a new generation of leaders to step forward,” said Velázquez. She was in her fortieth year when she was elected the first Puerto Rican woman to the U.S. House of Representatives. “I first ran in 1993, because I believed the voices of my community, immigrants, workers, families struggling to get by, were not being heard,” said Velázquez. “I became the first Latina to chair a full committee in Congress, and as the top Democrat on the Small Business Committee, I worked to expand access to capital and open doors in the federal marketplace for women, minorities, and veterans. One of my proudest accomplishments was creating the Women-Owned Small Business contracting program, which became law in 2001 and has helped thousands of women entrepreneurs get ahead.”
In North Brooklyn, she supported education, arts, affordable housing, workforce development. She is also a formidable fighter, hence her nickname La Luchadora. She fought against street violence, ICE raids, and adding two Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) vaporizers at National Grid’s Greenpoint facility.
“There is still so much work to be done, and I feel the urgency of this moment every day. Our country faces crises on multiple fronts. Every day the Trump administration is working to undermine civil rights and our democracy. At the same time, the American Dream is slipping further away for working people as wealth inequality worsens and life becomes less affordable. But I believe in the resiliency of the American people and the ability of a new generation of leaders who are ready for these great challenges. New York’s recent mayoral election showed that Americans are hungry for change and determined to build a better future. My district is home to so many dedicated elected officials, community leaders, and activists, and I have complete confidence that NY-7 will remain in good hands,” said Velázquez.
Her words seem to indicate Zohran Mamdani’s election victory somewhat inspired Velázquez to make room for a new wave of democrats. Mamdani acknowledged her legacy on X after her announcement, “From Puerto Rico to Brooklyn, [Velázquez] has always been a champion and tireless advocate for immigrants, small businesses and working families. Your grace and fight showed us what real leadership looks like. From the bottom of my heart, thank you La Luchadora.”
The Greenline 