{"id":195540,"date":"2026-04-13T15:47:25","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T15:47:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/195540\/"},"modified":"2026-04-13T15:47:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T15:47:25","slug":"hochul-endorses-former-staffer-micah-lasher-in-manhattan-primary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/195540\/","title":{"rendered":"Hochul endorses former staffer Micah Lasher in Manhattan primary"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gov. Kathy Hochul<\/a> (D-NY) has endorsed Democrat<\/a> Micah Lasher in the crowded primary to replace Rep. Jerry Nadler<\/a> (D-NY), boosting a longtime ally in one of the party\u2019s most competitive races.<\/p>\n

Lasher, a former Hochul policy director and longtime fixture in New York<\/a> Democratic politics, is seeking the seat in the state\u2019s 12th Congressional District, a deep-blue Manhattan<\/a> district known for its wealth, donor base, and media influence.<\/p>\n

\u201cMicah knows how to use the legislative process to make meaningful change \u2014 not just on one issue, but on the many fronts Democrats must be fighting right now,\u201d Hochul said in a statement<\/a> posted on Lasher\u2019s social media. \u201cHe is exactly the kind of thoughtful, effective leader we need fighting for us in Congress.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hochul also framed the race in national terms, casting Lasher as a defender of New York against attacks from the Trump administration<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs the Trump administration continues to target New York and our nation\u2019s democracy, Micah Lasher is exactly who we need in Washington fighting back on behalf of working families,\u201d she told Politico<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Lasher brings deep institutional experience, having served as Hochul\u2019s top policy director, chief of staff in the New York attorney general\u2019s office, director of state legislative affairs under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and as an aide to Nadler, who served as a longtime mentor.<\/p>\n

Nadler has also endorsed Lasher, praising both his experience and temperament.<\/p>\n

\u201cMicah Lasher will bring a sense of urgency, creativity, and fearlessness to Congress,\u201d Nadler said. \u201cHis sharp mind and big heart will serve the people of this district incredibly well. Micah is not just ready for the fight ahead of him in Washington \u2014 he\u2019s ready to lead it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Lasher faces a crowded and diverse field of seven candidates, including Jack Schlossberg, a former Republican<\/a> turned outspoken critic of President Donald Trump<\/a>, as well as a vaccine scientist and former business leaders.<\/p>\n