Major Funding Enters a High-Profile Contest (Image Credits: Pexels)
Manhattan – Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg plans to channel up to $5 million through a super PAC to bolster Assemblyman Micah Lasher’s campaign in the Democratic primary for New York’s 12th Congressional District, the seat long held by retiring Representative Jerrold Nadler.[1][2]
Major Funding Enters a High-Profile Contest
Bloomberg’s intervention marks a significant escalation in the June 2026 primary. The super PAC, named Stand for New York PAC and led by pollster Jefrey Pollock, will fund mailers, television ads, and digital campaigns to highlight Lasher’s record.[1] Lasher, who served as Bloomberg’s top lobbyist in Albany during his mayoralty, helped secure city funding and advance gun safety measures. This financial commitment aims to elevate Lasher amid a field drawing national attention.
The district, a safely Democratic stronghold encompassing the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and Midtown, has attracted ambitious contenders since Nadler announced his retirement in September 2025. Bloomberg’s move underscores his history of heavy political spending, including billions on past initiatives.[1]
Candidates Vie for Nadler’s Legacy
The primary features a diverse slate of Democrats, blending political insiders, activists, and high-profile names. Ten candidates initially sought the nomination, though some have withdrawn recently.
- Micah Lasher, state assemblyman and former aide to both Nadler and Bloomberg.
- Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy and rising online commentator.
- Alex Bores, state assemblyman focused on AI regulation.
- George Conway, attorney and vocal critic of former President Trump.
- Nina Schwalbe, public health expert.
- Laura Dunn, civil rights lawyer.
Dropouts include finance professional Alan Pardee, gun control activist Cameron Kasky, and LGBTQ+ advocate Matthew Shurka, who endorsed Bores.[2][3]
Heavyweight Endorsements Fuel the Fight
Bloomberg publicly endorsed Lasher on X, praising his experience. “We face extraordinary challenges both at home and abroad,” Bloomberg wrote. “At a moment like this, New Yorkers need representatives with the imagination to offer bold new ideas, the experience to get big things done, and the courage to take on the toughest fights.”[1][4]
Lasher welcomed the support, noting Bloomberg’s track record on key issues. Nadler, the retiring incumbent, also backed his former special assistant as his preferred successor. Meanwhile, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi recorded an ad for Schlossberg, emphasizing his fresh perspective. Ex-Representative Carolyn B. Maloney endorsed Bores.[1][5]
External forces add complexity. AI industry-backed super PACs have poured hundreds of thousands into ads, largely targeting Bores over his regulatory stance.[1]
Early Polls Signal Fluid Battleground
Recent surveys reveal no clear frontrunner. A GQR poll commissioned by Conway’s campaign showed Schlossberg at 25%, Conway at 16%, and Lasher and Bores tied at 11%, with 33% undecided.[3]
| Candidate | Support (%) |
|---|---|
| Jack Schlossberg | 25 |
| George Conway | 16 |
| Micah Lasher | 11 |
| Alex Bores | 11 |
| Undecided | 33 |
Lasher’s campaign reported $2.52 million in receipts by late 2025, positioning him strongly for the ad wars ahead.[2]
Key Takeaways
- Bloomberg’s super PAC could reshape the race with targeted ads.
- Schlossberg leads polls on name recognition alone.
- Undecided voters hold the key in this establishment vs. outsider clash.
As Manhattan Democrats weigh experience against celebrity in this pivotal primary, Bloomberg’s financial firepower tests whether money still sways voters in a district defined by progressive ideals. The outcome may preview broader Democratic tensions ahead of 2026. What do you think will tip the scales? Tell us in the comments.
