One of the nation's wealthiest districts, now represented by its chosen heir
In the dense political landscape of Manhattan, State Assemblyman Micah Lasher has won the Democratic primary for New York's 12th Congressional District — a race that drew eight candidates, $26 million in advertising, and the weight of powerful endorsements. The district, spanning the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and Midtown, is among the wealthiest in the nation, and in such deeply Democratic terrain, the primary is rarely a prelude to the general election so much as the election itself. Lasher's victory, backed by Governor Hochul, former Mayor Bloomberg, and outgoing Representative Nadler, places him on a path to Congress that now runs almost unobstructed.
- Eight candidates — including a Kennedy, a prominent conservative lawyer, and several credible challengers — made this one of the most genuinely contested Democratic primaries in the country.
- Outside groups and campaigns poured $26 million into advertising, signaling that powerful interests saw the outcome as anything but settled.
- Pre-election polling showed Lasher and rivals running nearly even, keeping the race uncertain until the final votes were counted.
- Lasher's endorsement coalition — Bloomberg, Hochul, and Nadler — ultimately provided the institutional weight needed to pull ahead in a crowded field.
- With the district's overwhelming Democratic lean, Tuesday's primary result is, in practical terms, the decisive moment — November is expected to follow as a formality.
State Assemblyman Micah Lasher has won the Democratic primary for New York's 12th Congressional District, emerging from a field of eight candidates in one of the most expensive congressional primaries the country has seen. His victory came with the backing of Governor Kathy Hochul, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and outgoing Representative Jerrold Nadler — a coalition of institutional power that proved decisive.
The district itself is a remarkable political geography: the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and Midtown Manhattan together form one of the wealthiest congressional constituencies in the nation. Lasher, who currently represents Morningside Heights and parts of the Upper West Side in the State Assembly, will now carry the Democratic banner into November.
The primary field was anything but ordinary. Jack Schlossberg, of the Kennedy family, ran as a serious contender. George Conway — the conservative lawyer and Lincoln Project co-founder — brought an unusual profile to the Democratic race. Several other candidates, including Nina Schwalbe and Patrick Timmins, added to the competitive texture of the contest. Polling in the final weeks showed the race genuinely tight, with Lasher and at least one rival running nearly even.
Advertising spending reached $26 million, with Bloomberg directing millions toward Lasher's campaign — a figure that placed this primary among the most financially intense congressional races in the country. In the end, the combination of endorsements, spending, and Lasher's existing political base carried the night. Given the district's deep Democratic lean, his path to Congress now appears clear.
State Assemblyman Micah Lasher emerged from a crowded field of eight Democratic candidates to win the primary for New York's 12th Congressional District, a race that became one of the most expensive congressional primaries in the nation. The victory came with backing from some of the state's most powerful figures: outgoing Representative Jerrold Nadler, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Governor Kathy Hochul.
The district stretches across a large swath of Manhattan, encompassing the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and Midtown—neighborhoods that together form one of the wealthiest congressional districts in the country. Lasher, who currently represents the 69th Assembly District covering Morningside Heights and parts of the Upper West Side, will advance to face candidates from other parties in November's general election.
The primary field included several recognizable names beyond Lasher. Jack Schlossberg, a member of the Kennedy family, ran as a leading contender. Nina Schwalbe, Patrick Timmins, Christopher Diep, and Laura Dunn also competed for the nomination. George Conway, the conservative lawyer and vocal Trump critic who co-founded The Lincoln Project, an anti-Trump super PAC, was another familiar name in the race.
Polling in the weeks before the primary suggested a tight contest. An Emerson College survey from May showed Lasher and another leading candidate running neck and neck, with Schlossberg also positioned as a serious challenger. The uncertainty reflected the genuine competition among well-known figures vying for what many viewed as a winnable seat.
The race drew extraordinary financial attention. According to AdImpact, campaigns and outside groups spent $26 million on advertising alone, with Bloomberg pouring millions into the effort on Lasher's behalf. That spending level placed the primary among the most expensive congressional contests in the country, a reflection of both the district's wealth and the competitive nature of the field.
Lasher's primary victory effectively settles the race for the seat. The 12th District leans heavily Democratic, making the general election in November a formality by comparison. Whoever wins the Democratic primary in such a district typically coasts to victory in the fall. For Lasher, Tuesday's win means he will represent one of Manhattan's most affluent and politically influential neighborhoods in Congress.
Citações Notáveis
Lasher was endorsed by outgoing Representative Jerrold Nadler, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Governor Kathy Hochul— Campaign backing
A Conversa do Hearth Outra perspectiva sobre a história
Why did this primary cost so much money? What made it worth $26 million in ads?
The district itself is wealthy, yes, but the real draw was the open seat and the caliber of candidates. Nadler held that seat for decades. When he stepped aside, suddenly you had a Kennedy, a Trump critic, an assemblyman with major endorsements—all competing for a safe Democratic seat in Manhattan. That's the kind of race that attracts serious money.
Bloomberg spent millions backing Lasher specifically. What was his interest?
Bloomberg has deep ties to Manhattan politics and philanthropy. He's also been active in supporting moderate Democrats. Lasher had the backing of the outgoing congressman and the governor—he was the establishment choice. Bloomberg's money just reinforced that.
So the primary was really decided before voters went to the polls?
Not entirely. Polling showed it was tight between Lasher, Schlossberg, and others. But the endorsements and the money created momentum. In a primary with eight candidates splitting the vote, that matters.
What happens now in November?
Lasher faces other party candidates, but realistically, he's won. The district is so Democratic that the general election is almost ceremonial. The primary was the real contest.
Does it bother you that one person's money—Bloomberg's—shaped the outcome so heavily?
It's worth asking. But Lasher also had Nadler and Hochul behind him. The money amplified existing advantages, it didn't create them from nothing.