Full Breakdown
Micah Lasher Wins Manhattan Democratic Primary, Ending Kennedy Bid
6/25/2026, 3:24:12 AM
Primary Outcome in New York's 12th Congressional District
State Assemblyman Micah Lasher won the Democratic primary for New York’s 12th Congressional District with roughly 39 % of the vote. He led Alex Bores (?35 %) and Kennedy scion Jack Schlossberg (?11 %). Results were reported after 85 % of precincts were tallied.
District Context and Candidate Landscape
The district includes Manhattan’s Upper West, Upper East, Chelsea and Midtown, among the wealthiest neighborhoods. Retiring incumbent Jerrold Nadler, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Michael Bloomberg endorsed Lasher. Bores, an Assemblyman, was backed by AI donors; Schlossberg ran as “No-PAC Jack” with Caroline Kennedy’s endorsement. Other candidates were George Conway and Nina Schwalbe.
Finance, AI Influence, and Vote Statistics
The race attracted at least $26 million in TV ads, among the costliest House primaries in New York. Bloomberg’s super-PAC gave $10 million to Lasher. AI-backed PACs spent over $18 million: Anthropic-linked groups funded Bores, while OpenAI-aligned groups spent $8 million against him. Final results: Lasher ~39 %, Bores ~35 %, Schlossberg ~11 %.
Official Statements
Lasher thanked his opponents, saying the district “deserves the world.” Gov. Hochul praised his policy work, noting he “walked in with 220 ideas.” Jerrold Nadler endorsed Lasher. Bloomberg’s super-PAC backed his experience. Caroline Kennedy called her son’s effort a “great job.”
Criticism and Opposition
Analysts warned AI-driven spending turned the contest into a corporate proxy war, marginalizing grassroots voices. Mother Jones noted the Kennedy brand’s waning appeal, saying voters “were not clamoring for a dynastic reboot.” Critics argued the tech-money flood eclipsed substantive policy discussion.
On-the-Ground Observations
Schlossberg campaigned in rain, shaking hands and taking selfies with supporters who recalled Kennedy family encounters. Voters on the Upper West and Upper East Sides called the race high-stakes and noted pervasive AI-related ads.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources differ on vote shares (Lasher 39 % vs 39.1 %; Bores 35 % vs 35.0 %; Schlossberg 10.8 % vs 10.7 %). Precinct reporting ranged from 78 % to 85 %. Advertising spend is cited as $26 million, $27 million, and “at least $26 million.” Results are pending.
Verbatim Quotes
“I think he’s done a great job,” — Caroline Kennedy, mother
“All of us asked not what our country can do,” — Jack Schlossberg, candidate
“I believe in my heart that this district deserves the world, and the competition of the primary met the standard of this district.” — Micah Lasher, nominee
“When he was my policy director, he literally walked in with 220 ideas. That's a true story. I'm a brand new governor, I'm like, 'Who is this guy?'” — Kathy Hochul, governor
Implications and Next Steps
Lasher will appear on the November ballot against Republican corporate lawyer Caroline Shinkle, and the district’s strong Democratic lean makes his election likely. The result reflects Manhattan voters’ preference for seasoned local operatives over dynastic or AI-driven challengers, underscoring the influence of campaign financing in future contests.
