Don’t miss the full story, whose reporting from The Associated Press is the basis of this AI-assisted article.
New York Rep. Nydia Velázquez announced Thursday she will retire next year after more than 30 years in Congress, becoming the second long-serving New York Democrat to step aside.
Some key facts:
• Velázquez, 72, has served in Congress since 1993, representing parts of Brooklyn and Queens.
• She is the first Puerto Rican woman to serve in Congress.
• She is currently the ranking member on the House Small Business Committee and serves on the House Financial Services Committee.
• She is a former chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
• She is the second long-serving New York Democrat to announce retirement, following Rep. Jerrold Nadler’s September announcement.
• Her retirement clears the way for a competitive primary in her deep blue district.
• She backed 34-year-old Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, who was recently elected as New York City’s next mayor.
• New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who served in Congress with Velázquez, praised her dedication to the people she serves.
READ MORE: New York Democratic Rep. Nydia Velazquez says she won’t run for reelection in 2026
This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Ann Wog, Managing Editor for Digital, at awog@washingtontimes.com
The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
