The House Democratic Caucus voted 118 to 72 in favor of Nadler, a 13-term Manhattanite known for his constitutional expertise.
The vote marks a victory for the seniority system that could have outsized implications if the Democrats win back the House in 2018 and the investigations into Russia’s election meddling turn up any damning evidence against the Trump administration.
Among the host of hot-button issues under the Judiciary panel’s jurisdiction is that of impeachment ‐ a factor highlighted by Nadler in pitching his colleagues in the weeks leading up to Wednesday’s vote.
After his victory, Nadler characterized the political moment as "a critical time" in the country’s history ‐ one he thinks he’s uniquely qualified to confront.
"Our efforts to hold the administration and those wishing to turn back history’s long arc towards justice accountable are central to the defense of progress and democracy," Nadler said.