Summary
Veteran Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez from New York announced she will retire and not seek re-election after 34 years in Congress. Velázquez was the first Puerto Rican woman in Congress and focused much of her career on immigrant and working-class issues. Her retirement leads to a primary election in her district in Brooklyn and Queens.
Key Facts
- Nydia Velázquez has served in Congress for 34 years and announced she will not run again.
- She was the first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress.
- Velázquez focused on immigrants' rights and working-class New Yorkers during her career.
- Her district includes Brooklyn and Queens, areas that strongly support the Democratic Party.
- Velázquez is known for her advocacy against Puerto Rico’s colonial status.
- She has not named a successor but plans to consider endorsement closer to the primary election in June.
- Potential candidates to replace her include Julia Salazar, Antonio Reynoso, and Jen Gutiérrez.
