Rep. Jerry Nadler Endorses Micah Lasher to Succeed Him in Congress

Nadler calls Lasher the 'best candidate' to represent New York's 12th Congressional District

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Manhattan Rep. Jerry Nadler announced his endorsement of Assembly member Micah Lasher to succeed him in the race for New York's 12th Congressional District seat. Nadler praised Lasher as the candidate who 'stands above the rest' and has emerged as 'New York's protector-in-chief against all things Trump'.

Why it matters

Nadler's endorsement of Lasher is significant, as the longtime congressman is stepping down after this term. Lasher's background working for Nadler and in other high-profile political roles suggests he is well-positioned to continue Nadler's progressive legacy in Congress.

The details

Nadler said that 'as the field has taken shape, one candidate by every measure stands above the rest: Assembly member Micah Lasher.' Lasher, who represents the Upper West Side in Albany, previously worked as a congressional aide for Nadler before taking roles in Mayor Michael Bloomberg's administration and as a policy director for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.

  • On February 9, 2026, Rep. Jerry Nadler announced his endorsement of Micah Lasher.

The players

Rep. Jerry Nadler

The longtime Democratic congressman representing New York's 12th Congressional District, who is stepping down after this term.

Micah Lasher

An Assembly member representing the Upper West Side in Albany, who previously worked as a congressional aide for Nadler and in other high-profile political roles.

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What they’re saying

“As the field has taken shape, one candidate by every measure stands above the rest: Assembly member Micah Lasher.”

— Rep. Jerry Nadler (nypost.com)

“He's emerged as New York's protector-in-chief against all things Trump, and drafted the blueprint for what Democratic-led states can do to fight back.”

— Rep. Jerry Nadler (nypost.com)

The takeaway

Nadler's endorsement of Lasher suggests the Assembly member is well-positioned to continue Nadler's progressive legacy in Congress, building on his experience working for Nadler and in other high-profile political roles.