Last Updated: 09 Oct, 2025 | Views: 63
Age: 78
Profession: Politician
Other Profession(s): Lawyer
Famous For: U.S. Congressman from New York
Higher Education: Columbia University (BA)
About (Profile/Biography):
Jerrold “Jerry” Nadler is a long-serving Democratic Congressman representing New York’s 12th Congressional District, previously the 10th. Born in Brooklyn in 1947, he’s known as a constitutional scholar, progressive legislator, and fierce defender of civil liberties. Nadler has built a reputation for his detailed understanding of the law and leadership on the House Judiciary Committee. A strong voice during presidential impeachments and a vocal opponent of authoritarianism, Jerry has played a major role in shaping modern legislative debates. His career spans decades, marked by both policy depth and unapologetic liberal stances. Despite criticism and political pressure, he remains one of the most influential lawmakers in Washington.
Early Life and Education of Jerry Nadler
• Jerry was born in Brooklyn to a Jewish family and attended Crown Heights Yeshiva before entering public high school.
• He earned his B.A. from Columbia University and later attended Fordham Law School while already serving in the state assembly.
• Nadler’s early activism included organizing bus rides for civil rights marches during the 1960s.
Political Rise of Jerry Nadler
• Jerry began in the New York State Assembly in 1977, where he served until winning a congressional seat in 1992.
• He earned respect for challenging powerful city interests, especially around transportation and housing policies.
• After a colleague’s death, Jerry won a special election to Congress, launching his federal career during the Clinton era.
Congressional Career of Jerry Nadler
• Jerry became a leading voice on civil rights, LGBTQ+ protections, and anti-discrimination laws in the House.
• As Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, he oversaw two impeachments of President Donald Trump.
• He consistently supports abortion rights, gun control, and expanded voting access as part of his core agenda.
Controversy around Jerry Nadler
• Jerry faced criticism for aggressively pursuing Trump’s impeachment, with some accusing him of politicizing the process.
• In 2020, he was mocked online after denying that Antifa violence was a “myth,” sparking backlash.
• His health and appearance became political talking points during televised hearings, drawing both concern and ridicule.
Awards and Recognitions received by Jerry Nadler
• Jerry received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for defending civil liberties after 9/11.
• He was honored by the ACLU for decades of work protecting First Amendment and privacy rights.
• Jewish organizations have recognized Nadler for his support of Israel and combating anti-Semitism in the U.S.
Lesser Known Facts about Jerry Nadler
• Jerry once weighed over 300 pounds before undergoing gastric bypass surgery in 2002 for health reasons.
• He wrote short plays in college and considered a career in writing before committing fully to politics.
• Nadler is one of the few members of Congress who still commutes via NYC subway when in his district.
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