US Rep. Jerry Nadler Faces Primary Challenge From Young Jewish New Yorker

Liam Elkind, a 26-year-old self-described “progressive” from New York City, has officially entered the Democratic primary race against US Rep. Jerry Nadler (NY), setting the stage for a showdown between a young upstart and a party elder with decades of experience.

Elkind, who is Jewish, released a video online Wednesday, drawing contrasts between himself and Nadler by touting his fresh ideas and young age. Nadler, his opponent, is 78 years old and running for his 18th term in the US House of Representatives.

With a self‑described platform of “fighting corruption, banning corporate PAC money, imposing term limits, [and] building more housing,” Elkind positioned himself as the antidote to what he called Democratic stagnation. In his video, Elkind paid tribute to Nadler’s decades‑long service, while also framing the congressman as emblematic of a party that has failed to deliver for its base. He argued that the Democratic Party has become increasingly ineffective, citing recent losses on health care and food‑stamp protections due to aging leadership.

“I appreciate [Nadler’s] 50 years in office. I grew up voting for him, but we need new leaders to meet this moment,” Elkind said.

Liam Elkind, a Democratic candidate in New York City, speaks into the camera as he launches his campaign. Photo: Screenshot

Elkind emphasized the need for new leadership to confront US President Donald Trump and restore faith in the Democratic Party. He has reportedly secured backing from high‑profile Democratic donors, including LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, signaling serious fundraising capability.

Nadler’s team immediately fired back. Spokesperson Rob Gottheim underscored the congressman’s strong electoral track record, including a commanding victory in last year’s general election, and called Elkind politically inexperienced. “Unfortunately, with this individual, I don’t think there’s any record to speak of,” Gottheim told CNN this week.

The district Elkind seeks to represent includes the Upper West Side and Upper East Side of Manhattan and has a significant number of Jewish voters.

This contest is not an isolated phenomenon. Nadler joins more than a dozen Democrats aged 70+ now facing challengers from younger, energized Gen‑Z and millennial activists, spotlighting a generational tug‑of‑war within the party.

Nadler has represented Manhattan since 1992, including the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and Midtown, earning a reputation as a progressive power within the House. Elkind, a native of Manhattan who currently resides in Chelsea, says he plans to relocate to the Upper West Side for the race.

Nadler also recently sparked backlash from many Jewish New Yorkers after he leaped to endorse controversial New York City Democratic primary winner Zohran Mamdani. Nadler has tasked his team with reaching out to the city’s Jewish leaders, encouraging them to support Mamdani in the general election.

Conversely, Elkind has not yet endorsed Mamdani. Citing his Jewish identity, Elkind expressed disappointment in Mamdani’s defense of the controversial slogan “globalize the intifada” during the mayoral primary.

Mamdani is an outspoken supporter of the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to isolate Israel from the international community as a step toward its eventual elimination. Mamdani has also repeatedly refused to recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, falsely suggesting the country does not offer “equal rights” for all its citizens, and promised to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York.

Elkind’s challenge reflects a broader undercurrent of discontent simmering within the Democratic base. Across the country, progressive and younger voters have grown increasingly frustrated with what they describe as a stagnant, risk-averse party leadership that’s failed to deliver on promises.