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Micah Lasher Wins NY-12 Primary in AI-Dominated Race
20D AGOSTATEASSEMBLYMEMBER MICAH LASHERCANDIDATE PLATFORMS & VISIONNY-12 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

Micah Lasher Wins NY-12 Primary in AI-Dominated Race

What's the gist?

New York Assemblyman Micah Lasher won the Democratic primary for Manhattan's 12th Congressional District, beating a crowded field that included JFK's grandson Jack Schlossberg and ex-Republican lawyer George Conway. The race drew national attention after AI industry groups poured millions into defeating rival Alex Bores.

Context

NY-12 is a deep-blue Manhattan seat currently held by retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler. Lasher, 44, has spent decades working in New York Democratic politics, including stints under Nadler, Gov. Kathy Hochul, and former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, all of whom endorsed him in this race. Six different super PACs - many with donors from large AI companies - spent nearly $30 million in the race.

Positive takes

Establishment Firepower Pays Off. Lasher secured endorsements from Gov. Kathy Hochul, former Mayor Bloomberg, and Rep. Jerry Nadler — a rare alignment of state and local power that helped him stand out in a crowded, chaotic primary.
Experience Over Celebrity. In a race that featured a Kennedy heir and a Trump-era media figure, Lasher's decades of policy work and deep local ties gave voters a familiar, proven option over high-profile newcomers.
Sidestepping the AI War. By not getting drawn into the multimillion-dollar AI spending battle that consumed rival Alex Bores, Lasher ran a disciplined campaign focused on his record and Democratic credibility.

Negative takes

Carried by Big Money. Lasher benefited from an allied super PAC funded largely by Bloomberg millions, raising questions about whether his win reflects genuine grassroots support or the power of deep-pocketed establishment donors.
Status Quo Pick. Critics may see Lasher as a conventional party insider chosen by power brokers rather than an energizing new voice — especially in a moment when many Democratic voters are hungry for bold change.
AI Accountability Missed. By distancing himself from the AI regulation debate, Lasher avoided taking a clear stand on one of the most consequential tech policy fights of the moment, leaving some voters unsure where he stands.
News sources
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    Micah Lasher Wins Manhattan Primary, Defeating Kennedy Heir and Others
    The New York Times Staff · The New York Times · June 24, 2026
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