MANHATTAN, NY — Manhattan Congressman Jerry Nadler endorsed a successor in the crowded primary race in a video posted Monday.
Assemblymember Micah Lasher, who represents parts of the Upper West Side, Central Park, and Morningside Heights in Assembly District 69, earned his endorsement.
Lasher is known for his previous work as the director of policy for Governor Kathy Hochul, the director of state legislative affairs under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and as an aide to Nadler.
“Since I announced that this term would be my last, people naturally ask who I believe is the best candidate to succeed me,” Nadler said in the video. “As the field has taken shape, one candidate, by every measure, stands above the rest — Assemblymember Michael Lasher, and I’m proud today to endorse him.”
Twelve Democrats have filed to run in New York’s 12th Congressional District, including Lasher, former judge Jami Floyd, Christopher Diep, Mathew Shurka, Upper East Side Assemblymember Alex Bores, civil rights attorney Laura Dunn, public health advocate Nina Schwalbe, Kennedy scion Jack Schlossberg, Alan Pardee, Micah Bergdale, George Conway, and Liam Elkind.
NY-12 includes the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Midtown, Hell’s Kitchen, Central Park, Union Square, Chelsea and Stuyvesant Town.
While the district is solidly Democratic, eight Republican and independent candidates have also filed, according to Ballotpedia.
“Right now, no other candidate in the race comes close to the depth and breadth of Micah’s record, not just on one issue, but across the many fronts where Democrats need to be stronger and smarter than ever,” Nadler said in the endorsement video. “Micah Lasher will bring a sense of urgency, creativity and fearlessness to Congress, and I know his sharp mind and big heart will serve the people of this district incredibly well.”
The primary election is June 23, with the general election set for Nov. 3.
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