Nadler endorses former aide for his seat as Pelosi backs Schlossberg
Retiring New York Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler endorsed his former longtime aide micah Lasher in the crowded democratic primary to succeed him in New York’s 12th Congressional District, calling Lasher “the best candidate to Succeed” him. Nadler highlighted Lasher’s record on gun-violence reduction, mental health investment, and protecting abortion access, and noted Lasher’s background as Hochul’s policy director and Bloomberg’s legislative affairs director. Lasher has also earned support from other New York Democrats, including NYC Comptroller Mark Levine, Councilwoman Gale Brewer, and State Senator Brian Kavanagh. Despite Nadler’s endorsement, the race is expected to remain highly competitive, with Nancy Pelosi reportedly planning to endorse JFK grandson Jack Schlossberg, who has entered the race. Nadler had previously dismissed Schlossberg’s chances, but Schlossberg’s entry has intensified a field that already includes more than a dozen candidates, reflecting the open-seat dynamics in a once-safe Democratic district as Nadler exits after 17 terms.
Nadler endorses former aide for seat he is vacating as Democratic heavyweight backs Schlossberg
Retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) endorsed his former longtime aide in the crowded Democratic primary for his House seat, as Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) plans to endorse the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy.
Nadler announced his endorsement of New York state Rep. Micah Lasher on Monday, calling his former employee the “best candidate to succeed” him.
“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,” he said in a video.
The 78-year-old congressman touted Lasher’s record on fighting gun violence, investing in mental health care, and defending New Yorkers’ access to abortion services. Before he started serving in the state legislature last year, Lasher was the policy director for Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) and the state legislative affairs director under former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
As a state lawmaker, Lasher introduced a bill to keep Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers from conducting arrests at sensitive locations, including schools, hospitals, and houses of worship, without a judicial warrant.
Nadler cited the bill as an example of Lasher’s commitment to standing up to the Trump administration.
“He’s emerged as New York’s protector-in-chief against all things Trump and drafted the blueprint for what Democratic-led states can do to fight back,” Nadler said.
Lasher thanked his former boss for the support.
“This endorsement means so much to me,” Lasher posted on X on Monday morning. “Jerry Nadler has set an incredibly high bar for decades for smart, principled, progressive leadership on issue after issue. I’m honored beyond words to have his support.”
The Democratic primary candidate has also received endorsements from New York City Comptroller Mark Levine, New York City Councilwoman Gale Brewer, and New York state Sen. Brian Kavanagh, among many other state politicians.
Despite securing Nadler’s endorsement, Lasher could face significant opposition from Kennedy scion Jack Schlossberg, whom Pelosi is rumored to endorse soon. The House speaker emerita would be Schlossberg’s highest-profile endorsement so far.
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Nadler previously dismissed Schlossberg’s chances in the primary, telling CNN in September that he lacked the requisite legislative experience to become a congressman. Schlossberg entered the race two months later.
Nadler, who represents New York’s 12th Congressional District, announced in September that he would vacate his House seat at the end of his 17th term. His retirement created a rare open seat in the Manhattan-area blue district. The race is already highly competitive, drawing over a dozen candidates from both parties.
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