WASHINGTON (AP) -- Rep. Jerry Nadler announced Wednesday that he will be stepping down as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee next year, avoiding an intra-party fight over a prominent position as the party prepares to confront a second Trump presidency.
Nadler's decision to relinquish control of the powerful committee came a day after fellow Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin announced his bid for the job and quickly amassed support from colleagues.
"I am also proud that, under my leadership, some of our caucus's most talented rising stars have been given a platform to demonstrate their leadership and their abilities," Nadler wrote in the letter to Democrats obtained by The Associated Press. "That includes Jamie Raskin, who in just a few terms in Congress has already proven himself to be an exceptional leader and spokesperson for our party's values."
The 77-year-old chose to step aside as the Democratic party undergoes an internal reckoning over their losses in the election, which swept Republicans into a trifecta of power in Washington. Many Democrats are eager for generational change and a new approach as President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House.
The decision by Nadler, who is serving his 17th term in Congress, reflects that generational shift. Before he made his decision Wednesday morning, Nadler spent time speaking with staff about what his next step should be. He also made a call to Raskin, which was described as cordial by a person familiar with the conversation who was not authorized to discuss it publicly.
"Jerry Nadler is an extraordinary lawyer, patriot and public servant," Raskin posted on X. "His dogged defense of civil rights and civil liberties is a great inspiration to our people."
"I am honored and humbled to have his support in the battles ahead."
Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries also reached out to Nadler, according to the same person, and offered him an emeritus status on the Judiciary committee, an honorary title that recognizes a member's seniority and service to the chamber. Nadler said he plans to stay on the committee as a senior member and will likely take up a ranking member role on one of its various subcommittees.
But despite this cordial back-and-forth, events leading up to Raskin's surprise bid damaged their close friendship.
Nadler’s staff had anticipated potential challengers for his spot. A week before Thanksgiving they heard rumors about Raskin making rounds among colleagues regarding potential candidacy.
Nadler confronted Raskin about these rumors; however, Raskin denied intentions of pursuing it at first but later softened stating encouragement from others prompted reconsideration.
He wrote that under his leadership "the headquarters of Congressional opposition" would target authoritarianism alongside other efforts undermining constitutional integrity posed by Trump allies' actions.
This development surprised many since traditionally Democrats rarely deviate from seniority norms concerning committee roles regardless tenure duration; thus outcome remains uncertain yet significant due resistance role previously assumed during oversight duties defending Biden amidst Republican-led investigations initiated under Trump's influence including drafting impeachment articles following Capitol riots January sixth last year ultimately leading prosecutorial efforts Senate trial thereafter reflecting continuity resistance stance against returning administration threats democracy national ethos alike affirmed confidence ability lead amid evolving political landscape challenges forthcoming era concluding endorsement letter accordingly expressed therein unequivocally supporting colleague transition pivotal juncture history notably observed context broader implications involved overall scenario unfolding contemporaneously within legislative branch dynamics presently ongoing 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