Longtime Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler, a liberal lion and the longest-serving member of Congress from New York, will not seek re-election.

Nadler covers a large portion of Manhattan in his representation and had a prominent role as both chair and ranking member of the influential House Judiciary Committee, placing him at the forefront of three presidential impeachment proceedings.

In his announcement to The New York Times, Nadler acknowledged that both his party and the nation were undergoing a period of generational transition, and it was time for him to embrace this change.

He elaborated on what occurred with former President Joe Biden, who capitulated to his party’s calls to step down in the previous election following a poor debate performance that sparked doubts about his mental sharpness.

“Observing what happened with Biden really highlighted the need for a generational shift within the party, and I feel compelled to honor that,” Nadler explained to the Times.

Despite his seniority, Nadler was bound to face a robust primary challenge from a potentially wide field of younger and more progressive challengers.

Nadler’s influence in Washington had already begun to diminish. He was removed from his position as the leading Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee at the beginning of this Congress, indicating the party’s push towards younger leadership.

The Nadler seat is one of the bluest in the country, so it will likely remain in Democratic hands in the 2026 midterm elections.

NBC has reached out to the Nadler campaign for comment.