Rumors are swirling that Chelsea Clinton may be considering a run for Congress in New York’s 12th District following longtime Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler’s announcement that he will not seek re-election.
As Democratic strategists begin evaluating candidates for the now-open seat, Clinton’s name has emerged in several reports, despite her past public comments expressing disinterest in holding political office. The daughter of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has consistently said she has no plans to enter electoral politics.
Nadler’s retirement marks the end of a 30-year tenure in the House of Representatives, where he notably chaired the House Judiciary Committee during President Donald Trump’s first impeachment. His departure opens up one of New York’s most influential Democratic seats, sparking competition among party insiders.
Currently the 10th most senior member of the House and the 8th most senior Democrat, Nadler’s exit is a significant development within national Democratic leadership.
The mere mention of Chelsea Clinton as a possible successor underscores the enduring influence of the Clinton political brand within the Democratic Party. It also reignites debate over whether the family might return to elected office through a new generation.
Adding fuel to the speculation, Jewish Insider reported Tuesday—citing unnamed sources—that Hillary Clinton may even be considering another run for the presidency. While these rumors remain unconfirmed, they further spotlight the Clintons’ ongoing relevance in Democratic politics.
Chelsea Clinton, however, has been clear about her reluctance to run. In 2019, she denied speculation during an appearance on The View that she was planning to enter the race to succeed Rep. Nita Lowey, another prominent New York Democrat. “I don’t know, but right now, the answer’s no,” she said when asked about future political ambitions.
She made similar comments following her mother’s defeat in the 2016 presidential election. In a March 2017 interview with Variety, Clinton again insisted she was focused on advocacy, not politics: “I am not running for office,” she stated.
As the filing deadline approaches, speculation around the NY-12 Democratic primary is likely to intensify. Unless Clinton changes her position, the field will probably consist of established local officials and experienced political operatives vying for the seat.
In an interview published Monday in The New York Times, Nadler cited President Biden’s recent withdrawal from the 2024 race following a difficult debate with Trump as a factor in his decision. He said he believes a younger generation may be better suited to confront current political challenges.
“I’m not saying we should change over the entire party,” Nadler said. “But I think a certain amount of change is very helpful, especially when we face the challenge of Trump and his incipient fascism.”
Democrats have frequently labeled Trump a “fascist” or “authoritarian,” though many of his more controversial policies were struck down by federal courts. Some of those rulings, however, have been criticized by Republicans as legally questionable or politically motivated.
Nadler has not endorsed any candidate to replace him. He only said that stepping away from the role was a difficult but necessary decision.
“But I know in my heart it is the right one and that it is the right time to pass the torch to a new generation,” Nadler said in a statement.
He concluded, “I don’t know what the future beyond 2026 holds, but I plan to stay fully engaged in the community that is my home and in the causes that I’ve championed throughout my life. My plans for the next sixteen months, however, are clear. I will continue to give everything I have to defend our democracy, protect our institutions, and fight for the values that as Americans and New Yorkers we share.”
Nadler, now 78, was first elected in 1992 and chaired the House Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2023 before becoming its ranking member.[/read more]
