NEW YORK (TNND) — Longtime Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York announced Monday that he will not seek reelection next year, according to an interview with The New York Times.

The 78-year-old serving his 17th term in Congress said in his interview that he was "persuaded it was time for a changing of the guard" after watching former President Joe Biden's reelection campaign last year.

“Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party, and I think I want to respect that,” he said, adding that someone younger "can maybe do better, can maybe help us more."

He was chairman of the House Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2023, then served as ranking member on the panel after Republicans won House leadership. He stepped down from that role late last year.

When asked who should succeed him, he acknowledged several allies but declined to name anyone specifically.

Liam Elkind, 26, entered the race for Nadler's district last month, suggesting that it's time to prop up young leaders who will rebuild the Democratic party.

Elkind commended Nadler for retiring in a post on X and said he "has led this district and this country with humanity, kindness, and intelligence. We are better for his leadership."

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul described Nadler as "a champion, a fighter, and a trusted voice for New Yorkers."