NEW YORK (VINnews) – State Assemblymember Micah Lasher won the Democratic primary Tuesday for New York’s 12th Congressional District, positioning him as the likely successor to longtime Rep. Jerry Nadler in the heavily Democratic Manhattan seat.

Lasher, who defeated a crowded field including fellow Assemblymember Alex Bores, secured approximately 39% of the vote with most precincts reporting, according to unofficial results from the New York City Board of Elections. Bores placed a close second with about 35%.

In his victory address at Jacob’s Pickles on the Upper West Side, Lasher directly addressed the heavy involvement of artificial intelligence companies in the race, which became one of the most expensive and closely watched congressional primaries in the country due to tens of millions in outside spending.

“I have some news for the two big AI companies who have taken such an unusual interest in who won this congressional seat,” Lasher said, referring to OpenAI and Anthropic. “I won’t be taking cues from either of you when it comes to protecting our kids, our jobs and our environment.

The race drew intense national attention amid a proxy battle over AI regulation. Bores had sponsored state legislation on the issue, prompting significant spending by PACs linked to AI interests both opposing and supporting him.

Lasher, a Jewish Upper West Side native and longtime public servant, has deep ties to the district. He previously served as policy director for Gov. Kathy Hochul, director of state legislative affairs under Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and as an aide to Nadler. He won election to the state Assembly in 2024

The 12th District, covering Midtown Manhattan and the Upper East and Upper West Sides, includes one of the largest Jewish communities in the country. Lasher, who lives on the Upper West Side with his wife and three children and is a member of Congregation Rodeph Sholom, is expected to easily win the general election in November.bcdbcf

Flanked by Hochul and other Democratic leaders, Lasher told supporters the primary competition “met the standard of this district” and pledged to deliver bold ideas for working Americans.b6b110

Nadler, who announced his retirement after decades in Congress, did not immediately comment on the results. The district has a long history of electing prominent Jewish representatives.