New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday made a rare primary endorsement in the crowded race to succeed U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler in the 12th Congressional District, throwing her support behind state Assemblyman Micah Lasher, her former director of policy.
“As the Trump administration continues to target New York and our nation’s democracy, Micah Lasher is exactly who we need in Washington fighting back on behalf of working families. Micah has a proven ability to take on tough fights and achieve meaningful change,” Hochul said in a statement.
Lasher was elected to the state Assembly’s 69th District in 2024. Earlier that year, he left his position as Hochul’s director of policy, a position he was appointed to in November 2021. Before that, Lasher was an official in New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration and was chief of staff to the state attorney general.
“As my Policy Director, Micah worked with me to develop and enact ambitious plans to move our state forward and protect our people: from the largest affordable housing plan in the state’s history, to a massive reinvestment in every level of mental health care, to major infrastructure projects like the Interborough Express, and putting New York on the path to free, universal childcare,” Hochul said. “By crafting critical protections for abortion providers and patients following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Micah stood up to Trump to guarantee abortion rights. In the State Legislature, Micah has been a leader in the fight to Trump-proof New York, drafting legislation to ensure that New Yorkers can always access life-saving vaccines and that our communities are protected from ICE overreach.”
Lasher is running for the 12th District, which covers Manhattan’s Upper East and West sides and Midtown. East Side state Assemblyman Alex Bores, social media influencer and Kennedy clan member Jack Schlossberg and attorney and anti-Trump TV pundit George Conway are also seeking the Democratic nomination, among others.
“Today, I am honored by Governor Hochul’s support of my candidacy for Congress in NY-12, the district I am proud to have called home all my life,” Lasher said in a statement. “Her endorsement adds to the momentum of our campaign, and sends a strong message to the voters of the 12th District that we will be united in standing up to MAGA Republicanism — and for a Democratic Party that is focused on delivering real solutions to the affordability challenges facing New Yorkers and all Americans.”
Lasher has also received the endorsement of Nadler, who is retiring after 34 years in the House of Representatives.