Lasher, Bores in tight contest to fill Nadler Congress seat in New York Democratic primary election

Lead

Voters in New York's 12th Congressional District are heading to the polls on Tuesday to choose a Democratic nominee to succeed retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler, a contest that has become one of the most closely watched primaries in the country. The race, covering Manhattan's Upper West and Upper East Sides and midtown, has narrowed to four candidates with double-digit support, led by state Assembly members Micah Lasher and Alex Bores, who are separated by just two points in recent polling.

Coverage Comparison

Coverage of the primary has highlighted its unpredictability and the unusual coalitions forming around the top contenders. One analysis described the race as "action-packed," noting that it reflects national Democratic priorities, including toughness against Donald Trump, scrutiny of artificial intelligence companies, and broader appeal. The same report observed that the contest has narrowed to four white men, with Lasher and Bores trading the lead in recent polls.

A separate report focusing on the district's Jewish electorate framed the primary as a test of the Democratic Party's direction on Israel, given that NY-12 is the most heavily Jewish district in the country. It noted that Lasher and Bores are seen as similar candidates, both pro-Israel and anti-Netanyahu, and both supportive of state-level legislation to combat antisemitism.

Another report, centered on Bores' campaign, emphasized his ability to maintain a "delicate needle" by attracting support from both pro-Israel moderates and left-wing groups critical of Israel. The same piece, published earlier in the campaign cycle, detailed how Bores has made AI regulation a central plank of his platform, drawing endorsements from unusual allies.

Key Claims

A tight, volatile race: Polling in the district has been volatile. A mid-May poll showed Lasher leading, while a separate survey a couple of days earlier had Bores ahead. The most recent data, cited in one report, puts Lasher at 22% and Bores at 20%, within the poll's 4.8% margin of error, with Jack Schlossberg and George Conway trailing at 11% and 10%, respectively. Thirty-two percent of voters remained undecided.

The field and its profiles: Lasher, a state Assembly member, has the endorsement of Nadler, his former boss, as well as support from former Gov. Kathy Hochul and former Mayor Mike Bloomberg. Bores, also an Assembly member, has built a coalition that includes former Rep. Carolyn Maloney and progressive groups such as Our Revolution. Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy, and Conway, a Republican-turned-Trump-critic, round out the leading candidates.

Israel as a wedge issue: The candidates' views on Israel have been a focal point, particularly given the district's demographics. Bores has resisted calls to condition military aid to Israel, a stance that has won him support from Jewish leaders and moderates, while also receiving backing from progressives who advocate for such conditions. Lasher shares a pro-Israel, anti-Netanyahu stance. The broader New York primaries, including races in other districts, are seen as a reflection of where Democratic voters stand on the issue, with pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups active in the campaigns.

AI regulation as a differentiator: Bores has introduced state legislation to regulate artificial intelligence, a position that has drawn endorsements from across the political spectrum. His campaign has been described as a proxy war between rival AI companies, and the issue has become a central theme in the race, alongside promises to take on Trump.

District dynamics: The winner of the Democratic primary is considered certain to win November's general election in this deep-blue district. The seat opened after Nadler, Congress's most senior Jewish member, announced his retirement last fall. The district is seen as a "crown jewel" of New York politics.

Perspectives

Micah Lasher's campaign: Lasher is portrayed as the establishment-backed candidate, with support from Nadler, Hochul, and Bloomberg. His experience working for prominent politicians and his alignment with the West Side political establishment are emphasized. He is seen as similar to Bores on Israel and antisemitism legislation.

Alex Bores' campaign: Bores is presented as the uniter of disparate factions, combining pro-Israel moderates and left-wing groups critical of Israel, with AI regulation as the bridge. His endorsements include figures like democratic socialist Chi Osse and former Rep. Carolyn Maloney. He has resisted conditioning military aid to Israel while attracting progressives who support such conditions.

Jewish community observers: Reports note the significance of the race for Jewish-American politics, with the district's heavily Jewish and pro-Israel electorate making candidates' stances on Israel particularly consequential. The primary is seen as a barometer of the Democratic Party's direction on the issue.