Rep. Jerry Nadler endorses former aide Micah Lasher to be his successor

Lasher is a New York State Assembly member and was a longtime aide to the congressman.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., endorsed New York State Assembly member Micah Lasher, his former longtime aide, in the crowded House primary to serve as the congressman's successor in the deep blue Manhattan-area district.

Why it matters

Nadler's endorsement sets up what are expected to be dueling endorsements for two of the candidates in the crowded Democratic field, with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., planning to endorse Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy, in the primary.

The details

Lasher has received endorsements from a string of New York politicians, including New York City Comptroller Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal and state Sen. Brian Kavanagh. In an endorsement video, Nadler laid out Lasher's credentials on issues that included protecting consumers, fighting gun violence and investing in mental health care. Nadler also referred to Lasher's ability to counter President Donald Trump's agenda, saying the state Assembly member "emerged as New York's protector in chief against all things Trump."

  • Nadler announced in September that he would not seek re-election, capping off his decades-long career representing the Manhattan-area district.

The players

Jerry Nadler

A Democratic U.S. Representative from New York's 10th congressional district, who has served in Congress since 1992.

Micah Lasher

A New York State Assembly member and former longtime aide to Rep. Jerry Nadler.

Jack Schlossberg

The grandson of President John F. Kennedy, who is expected to receive an endorsement from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the Democratic primary.

George Conway

A conservative Trump critic whose former wife, Kellyanne Conway, was a senior aide to Trump in his first administration. He is running for the seat as a Democrat.

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What they’re saying

“I'm proud and excited to endorse @micahlasher for Congress. He'll bring a sense of urgency, creativity, and fearlessness to Washington.”

— Jerry Nadler, U.S. Representative (X)

“This endorsement means so much to me. Jerry Nadler has set an incredibly high bar for decades for smart, principled, progressive leadership on issue after issue. I'm honored beyond words to have his support.”

— Micah Lasher, New York State Assembly member (X)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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