As New York's longest-serving Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez prepares to pass the torch to a new generation, she's signaling that it's time for change in the city's congressional delegation. With her own 30-year tenure coming to an end in 2024, Velázquez is nudging other longtime officials to make room for newcomers.
The Democrat has watched as gentrification transformed the neighborhoods she represents, pushing out long-time immigrant enclaves and ushering in a new wave of residents. Yet, she remains optimistic that her protégés – like Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and State Senator Julia Salazar – are ready to take the reins.
"We've done our job," Velázquez said. "Now it's time for the next generation of leaders." She declined to comment on the future of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who would be 78 at the start of another term. The New York native has been a steadfast advocate for Puerto Rican causes and has mentored many young politicians.
However, not everyone shares Velázquez's enthusiasm for change. Governor Kathy Hochul, a fellow Democrat, remains unconvinced that a generational refresh is necessary. Born in 1951, Hochul said she sees no reason to replace Schumer, citing the party's tradition of embracing diverse viewpoints and ages.
Velázquez, on the other hand, wants her successor to be attuned to the pulse of the district, with a sense of urgency and a willingness to tackle tough issues. "We need someone who will step up, fight for what's right, and come up with new ideas that can meet this moment," she emphasized.
As Velázquez prepares to pass the torch, her legacy as a champion of progressive values is secure. With the retirement of fellow New York Representative Jerry Nadler, Velázquez has set the stage for a changing of the guard in the city's congressional delegation – and the hope that a new generation will carry on her work.
The Democrat has watched as gentrification transformed the neighborhoods she represents, pushing out long-time immigrant enclaves and ushering in a new wave of residents. Yet, she remains optimistic that her protégés – like Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and State Senator Julia Salazar – are ready to take the reins.
"We've done our job," Velázquez said. "Now it's time for the next generation of leaders." She declined to comment on the future of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who would be 78 at the start of another term. The New York native has been a steadfast advocate for Puerto Rican causes and has mentored many young politicians.
However, not everyone shares Velázquez's enthusiasm for change. Governor Kathy Hochul, a fellow Democrat, remains unconvinced that a generational refresh is necessary. Born in 1951, Hochul said she sees no reason to replace Schumer, citing the party's tradition of embracing diverse viewpoints and ages.
Velázquez, on the other hand, wants her successor to be attuned to the pulse of the district, with a sense of urgency and a willingness to tackle tough issues. "We need someone who will step up, fight for what's right, and come up with new ideas that can meet this moment," she emphasized.
As Velázquez prepares to pass the torch, her legacy as a champion of progressive values is secure. With the retirement of fellow New York Representative Jerry Nadler, Velázquez has set the stage for a changing of the guard in the city's congressional delegation – and the hope that a new generation will carry on her work.
, hopefully it won't be just a fancy way of saying "too old and out of touch" lol 
anyway, 30 years is a looong time in politics, gotta wonder what's gonna change now that these veterans are stepping down 
you know i feel bad for nydia velazquez, she's been doin this job for like forever! 30 years is a looong time 
it's amazing what she's accomplished, but i can see why she thinks it's time for some new blood 
my heart goes out to all the people who've been affected by it. anyway, i think it's awesome that there are some fresh faces on the horizon 
antonio reynoso and julia salazar seem like great choices... they're already makin moves and takin names 
let's see how it all plays out! 
meanwhile i'm curious to see who'll be her protégé - has anyone seen antonio reynoso in action yet? and yeah gentrification is a real pain in the city ...
! i think nydia velazquez is doin a great job, but even she knows its time 2 pass the torch 
. i love how antonio reynoso & julia salazar are ready 2 take over, dey seem like a fresh face w/ new ideas 
. governor hochul tho... idk man 
. i mean, its not about age, its about being in tune w/ the ppl 
. let's hope whoever takes over nydia's seat can keep her legacy alive 
. I mean, she's been a true champion of progressive values and Puerto Rican causes for decades 
! Nydia Velázquez is doing an amazing job, but I think it's time for a change 
. Antonio Reynoso and Julia Salazar seem like they're up to the task 
. And let's be real, Chuck Schumer is getting up there in years 
. Still, I love Kathy Hochul's take on not replacing Schumer just because he's old - age shouldn't matter when it comes to leadership 
. I mean, we've seen how gentrification is affecting our neighborhoods 
, and I think Nydia Velázquez has been a huge voice for us immigrants 
, but what if they don't understand the struggles of our community? We need someone who'll actually listen to us, you know? 
. Let's hope Gov Hochul comes around too 
, and gentrification has changed the neighborhoods she rep so much 
I mean, on one hand, you've got Velázquez saying that it's time for a new generation of leaders, but on the other hand, Hochul is all about tradition and embracing diversity, which is totally fair. But then again, Velázquez has this fire in her belly to push for progressive change, and I think we can all get behind that 
I guess change can be good, especially when old guards are, well, guarding too much 
I mean come on, Kathy Hochul thinks Schumer is still got it? 78 years old and still trying to be relevant? 
The next gen leaders like Reynoso and Salazar are the ones who need to shake things up, not maintain the status quo. Time for a fresh face, new ideas, and some much-needed urgency!