"Serving the people of New York City for over three decades has been the honor of my life," Velázquez said in a statement posted to social media. "Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey, nothing I have accomplished would have been possible without your support."
Velázquez's decision will likely set off another competitive Democrats primary for her NY-7 seat, similar to when Rep. Jerry Nadler announced he would not seek another term.
The 72-year-old Velazquez has served 16 terms, and is also the first Puerto Rican woman to serve in Congress.
"Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez is a trailblazer whose leadership has opened doors for generations of New Yorkers," New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement. "As the first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress, she has never forgotten where she came from, and she has never stopped fighting for the people she serves."
She told the New York Times, who reported the announcement, that Zohran Mamdani's mayoral victory shows that the next generation is ready to take up the reins.
Mamdani reacted to the announcement, calling the congresswoman a "champion and tireless advocate for immigrants, small businesses and working families."
"From the bottom of my heart, thank you La Luchadora," he said in a post on social media.
New York Attorney General Letitia James praised Velázquez's dedication to public service, and the work she has done fighting for "her city, her state, and her country," while making history along the way.
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