Who Is Micah Lasher? Meet NY-12's Democratic Nominee

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — After a closely watched election on Tuesday night, Upper West Side Assemblymember Micah Lasher has emerged as the winner, with roughly 39 percent of the vote in the crowded field.

However, if you aren't one of the 40,106 people who voted for him, now is a good time to familiarize yourself with the candidate ahead of the general election, which is slated for Nov. 3 in the deep blue district.

His win is the latest in the race to replace longtime Democratic NY-12 Rep. Jerry Nadler, who has served more than 30 years in office. Lasher beat out Upper East Side Assemblymember Alex Bores, who came in second place, with roughly 35 percent of the vote.

"My basic political philosophy — and the idea that has animated all of my involvement in politics and government — is that government remains the best force we have to solve problems at scale and improve the material conditions of people’s lives," Lasher told Patch in early June ahead of the election.

So, who is he?

Lasher previously served as an aide to Nadler, and throughout the race was seen as Nadler's protégé, earning the congressman's endorsement in February.

The Democratic nominee is also known for his previous work as the director of policy for Governor Kathy Hochul, the chief of staff for Attorney General Letitia James and the director of state legislative affairs under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, all of whom endorsed him in the primary.

More recently, the Upper West Sider has represented parts of the Upper West Side, Central Park, and Morningside Heights in Assembly District 69, which he was elected to in 2024 and is serving his first term.

In an interview with Patch in early June, Lasher called himself a "proud New York patriot." He's also a graduate of Stuyvesant High School and New York University, where he earned a degree in sociology, and he's raising three children with his wife, Elizabeth, on the Upper West Side.

What's his platform?

His campaign centers on two themes: fighting the Trump administration and addressing affordability in New York City.

The policy proposals he shared with Patch include federal investments in affordable housing, expanded child care funding, a higher minimum wage and Medicare for All.

"We need a Congress that aggressively works to solve the affordability crisis, and the Democratic party must make it a top priority," Lasher told Patch. "I am committed to doing that, and plan to address the cost-of-living crisis by championing dramatic investments in housing construction, raising and indexing the federal minimum wage, and fighting for Medicare for All."

He has also emphasized public safety and quality-of-life issues, supporting increased mental health services, stronger tenant protections, regulation of e-bikes and measures to combat antisemitism.

"As a State Assemblyman, I have worked closely with local NYPD precincts and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to address crime and quality-of-life issues, including local crime and drug-dealing hotspots, and I would broaden this focus to the entirety of the 12th Congressional District if I am fortunate enough to represent it," Lasher told Patch.

Nationally, he has positioned himself as a staunch opponent of President Donald Trump, advocating stronger protections for immigrants and labor rights.

"My top priority in Washington will be to lead an aggressive, strategic, and effective resistance to the cruel and corrupt policies of the Trump administration," Lasher told Patch.

What will November look like?

Lasher will be up against the NY-12 Republican candidate Caroline Shinkle, who ran unopposed. The general election is on Nov. 3.

For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.