Democrats are falling over themselves to enter the race to replace retiring House Rep. Jerry Nadler, whose congressional district covers a large portion of Manhattan, including some of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the country.<\/p>\n
About a dozen contenders have either announced a run or are eying a possible campaign, with the Democratic primary seven months away.<\/p>\n
Jerry Nadler is retiring next year. Robert Miller<\/p>\n
A Parkland school shooting survivor, a Kennedy scion, the ex-husband of a former Trump aide and a pair of state lawmakers are among some of the hopefuls who could be on the primary ballot in June.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a look at the candidates \u2014 one of whom will likely coast into the seat if they get the nomination because the district is reliably blue.<\/p>\n
Micah Lasher<\/p>\n
State lawmaker Micah Lasher said Democrats need to use \u201cevery lever of power\u201d to take on President Trump and Republicans when he announced his run earlier this fall. <\/p>\n
Micah Lasher is a state assemblyman. Micah Lasher for Assembly<\/p>\n
The former aide to Gov. Kathy Hochul who also worked for Nadler wants to raise the minimum wage, expand childcare and roll out Medicare for All.<\/p>\n
The 43-year-old pol is widely seen on Nadler\u2019s preferred candidate.<\/p>\n
Alex Bores<\/p>\n
State Assemblyman Alex Bores says he\u2019s running to \u201crecode Washington\u201d after serving in Albany since 2023.<\/p>\n
Julie Scelfo and Alex Bores attend the 2025 Mothers Against Media Addiction Gala. Getty Images<\/p>\n
The 35-year-old lawmaker has tackled the rising use of artificial intelligence during his tenure and has vowed to fight for the \u201clittle guy\u201d in Congress.<\/p>\n
He touted legislative wins including helping pass legislation to make AI safe in an October campaign video. <\/p>\n
Jack Schlossberg<\/p>\n
JFK\u2019s grandson is also running. AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n
President John F. Kennedy\u2019s grandson Jack Schlossberg kick-started his campaign<\/a> for Congress by quickly invoking his family\u2019s famed name as he vowed to stand up to President Trump.<\/p>\n The 32-year-old political scion is known for provocative social media posts \u2013 even blasting his cousin, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. \u2013 and has faced skepticism from Dems about his run.<\/p>\n Erik Bottcher<\/p>\n Chelsea City Councilman Erik Bottcher touted himself as a lawmaker on the forefront of LGBTQ civil rights issues when he announced his run in mid-November.<\/a><\/p>\n Bottcher served on the City Council. WireImage<\/p>\n The openly gay pol, 46, was first elected in 2021 to represent parts of Manhattan in and around midtown after serving as an aide to then-Council Speaker Corey Johnson.<\/p>\n He claimed New York City is under attack by President Trump in his campaign announcement.<\/p>\n Cameron Kasky<\/p>\n Parkland school survivor Cameron Kasky<\/a>, who has been described as a Democratic socialist, said he is pushing for Medicare for All and dismantling ICE when he threw his name in the ring on Nov. 18.<\/p>\n The 25-year-old is also a staunch gun control activist, as he was at Florida\u2019s\u00a0Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School when a crazed gunman killed 17 of his classmates in 2018.<\/p>\n The Jewish Kasky has taken strong positions against Israel\u2019s actions in Gaza, reportedly calling it a \u201cgenocide,\u201d a position that could be controversial in neighborhoods in the district such as the Upper East and West sides.<\/p>\n Liam Elkind<\/p>\n Community organizer Liam Elkind started his campaign for Congress before Nadler announced he was stepping aside, bashing elderly Democratic House reps for holding onto power.<\/p>\n Upper West Side native \u2014 who is the founder of the group Invisible Hands, which delivers food to the need \u2014 claimed the Democratic Party is dying and urged Nadler to leave office rather than seek another term.<\/p>\n Jami Floyd<\/p>\n