Rep. Jerry Nadler endorses protege Micah Lasher to succeed him

Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News on Feb 9, 2026

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NEW YORK — Rep. Jerrold Nadler endorsed Monday his longtime aide and protege Assemblyman Micah Lasher in the Democratic primary race to succeed him representing the congressional district spanning the Upper East and Upper West sides of Manhattan.

The long-serving liberal lawmaker called Lasher the best choice to carry on his progressive legacy in Congress and continue the fight against President Trump’s aggressive right-wing agenda.

“I’m proud and excited to endorse @micahlasher for Congress,” Nadler posted on X. “He’ll bring a sense of urgency, creativity, and fearlessness to Washington.”

Nadler’s move was widely expected by political insiders, but the timing was significant as the crowded primary fight in New York’s 12th Congressional District heats up.

It came a day after reports surfaced that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., plans to back Jack Schlossberg, a youthful scion of the Kennedy family, in the race.

Other candidates include Assemblyman Alex Bores, D-Manhattan, and Trump critic George Conway.

“No other candidate comes close to the breadth and depth of Micah’s record — not just on one issue, but across the many fronts where Democrats need to be stronger and smarter than ever,” added Nadler.

Lasher, 44, a first-term state lawmaker, previously worked in the administrations of Gov. Kathy Hochul and former Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

He has scored backing from city Comptroller Mark Levine and City Councilwoman Gale Brewer, both former Manhattan borough presidents with deep roots in his West Side political stronghold.

Nadler, 78, announced he would retire after three decades in Congress, citing the need for generational renewal in the Democratic Party.

The winner of the Democratic primary is virtually assured of victory in the deep-blue district, which also includes the largest share of Jewish voters of any congressional district in the nation.

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