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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
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