Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jerry Nadler

How Jerry Nadler built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jerrold Lewis Nadler is a Democratic politician and lawyer representing New York's 12th congressional district since 2023. He previously served in the 17th (later 8th and 10th) district after being elected to Congress in 1992. Prior to his congressional service, Nadler spent eight terms in the New York State Assembly. He is a Manhattan resident and known for his liberal political stances and being the dean of New York's U.S. House delegation.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1970: Worked at Corporation Trust Company

In 1970, after graduating, Nadler began working as a legal assistant and clerk at Corporation Trust Company.

1971: Worked at Morris, Levin and Shein law firm

In 1971, Nadler continued his career as a legal assistant and clerk, working at the Morris, Levin and Shein law firm.

1972: Legislative Assistant in the New York State Assembly

In 1972, Nadler worked as a legislative assistant in the New York State Assembly before transitioning to the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation.

1976: Law Clerk at Morgan, Finnegan, Pine, Foley and Lee

In 1976, Nadler became a law clerk with Morgan, Finnegan, Pine, Foley and Lee.

1976: Elected to the New York State Assembly

In 1976, while attending evening courses at Fordham University School of Law, Nadler was elected to the New York State Assembly.

1977: Member of New York State Assembly

From 1977, Nadler was a member of the New York State Assembly.

1985: Lost Election for Manhattan Borough President

In 1985, Nadler ran for Manhattan Borough President, losing in the Democratic primary to David Dinkins and again in the general election as the New York Liberal Party nominee.

1989: Lost Election for New York City Comptroller

In 1989, Nadler ran for New York City Comptroller but lost in the Democratic primary to Elizabeth Holtzman.

1992: End of time as Member of New York State Assembly

In 1992, Nadler ended his tenure as a member of the New York State Assembly.

1992: First Elected to Congress

In 1992, Nadler was first elected to Congress representing New York's 17th congressional district.

1992: Elected to Congress Following Ted Weiss's Death

In 1992, following the death of Democratic representative Ted Weiss, Nadler was nominated to replace Weiss and won two elections on Election Day: a special election to serve the rest of Weiss's term and a regular election for a full term.

2004: Sponsored Freedom of Choice Act

In 2004, Nadler sponsored the Freedom of Choice Act.

2007: No Hearings on Bush or Cheney Impeachments

Despite earlier efforts and requests, Nadler did not schedule hearings on impeachments for George W. Bush or Dick Cheney in 2007, citing that it would be pointless and distract from the presidential election.

2007: Sponsored Freedom of Choice Act

In 2007, Nadler sponsored the Freedom of Choice Act.

July 15, 2008: Endorsed Barack Obama

In a Washington Journal interview on July 15, 2008, Nadler reiterated the timing argument against impeachment and endorsed Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election, expressing that electing an honest candidate would create a greater chance of prosecuting those in the Bush administration who had committed war crimes.

September 15, 2009: Introduced Respect for Marriage Act

On September 15, 2009, Nadler and two other representatives introduced the Respect for Marriage Act, a bill to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and require federal recognition of same-sex marriages.

2015: Voted to Support Iran Sanctions Agreement

In 2015, Nadler voted to support an agreement to lift economic sanctions against Iran in exchange for Iran's compliance with the terms of the agreement which called for substantial dismantling and scaling back of their nuclear program.

July 2019: Introduced the MORE Act

In July 2019, Nadler introduced the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act to legalize cannabis at the federal level by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act.

November 2019: MORE Act Passed House Judiciary Committee

In November 2019, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act passed the House Judiciary Committee by a 24–10 vote.

2019: Chaired the House Judiciary Committee

From 2019, Nadler chaired the House Judiciary Committee.

2019: Supported the Equality Act

In 2019, Nadler supported the Equality Act, a bill to expand the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

2020: Primary Challenge from Lindsey Boylan

In 2020, Nadler faced a primary challenge from activist Lindsey Boylan. It was the first time in his tenure that Nadler received less than 75% of the vote.

April 2022: MORE Act Passed the House

In April 2022, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act passed the full House of Representatives by a 228–164 vote.

2022: Defeated Carolyn Maloney in Primary

In 2022, Nadler defeated Carolyn Maloney in a three-way Democratic primary with 56% of the vote. Both Nadler and Maloney were drawn into the newly-drawn 12th district during redistricting. Nadler won the 2022 general election in the 12th district as well.