Bloomberg to Back Protégé in Crowded NYC House Race With Super PAC

The billionaire is planning to spend up to $5 million to boost his former aide Micah Lasher in the race to replace Rep. Jerrold Nadler.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:37pm

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Michael R. Bloomberg, New York City's billionaire former mayor, is preparing to spend millions of dollars on a super PAC boosting one of his former aides, Assemblyman Micah Lasher, in the race for a coveted Manhattan House seat. The intervention is designed to help Mr. Lasher distinguish himself from a crowded and star-studded field of Democrats competing to succeed Representative Jerrold Nadler, who is retiring.

Why it matters

The primary contest was already shaping up to be one of the most closely watched and expensive in the United States. The district is safely Democratic, but is among the wealthiest and most educated in the country, home to Fortune 500 companies, Broadway, media empires and a large network of donors. Bloomberg's involvement could significantly impact the outcome of the race.

The details

Bloomberg plans to follow up his public endorsement of Lasher with a spending blitz to promote him via mail, TV and digital advertising. The planned ad campaign could total around $5 million. The race has attracted a crowded and star-studded field of Democratic candidates, including Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy, and George Conway, a former supporter of President Trump turned high-profile critic.

  • Bloomberg endorsed Lasher on Thursday afternoon (March 12, 2026).
  • The planned ad campaign could begin in a matter of days.

The players

Michael R. Bloomberg

New York City's billionaire former mayor who is planning to spend millions of dollars on a super PAC boosting one of his former aides, Micah Lasher, in the race for a coveted Manhattan House seat.

Micah Lasher

Assemblyman who worked for Bloomberg directly as the city's top lobbyist in Albany during his tenure as mayor.

Jerrold Nadler

Retiring Representative whose seat is being contested.

Jack Schlossberg

Grandson of President John F. Kennedy who is one of the Democratic candidates in the crowded race.

George Conway

Former supporter of President Trump turned high-profile critic who is one of the Democratic candidates in the crowded race.

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What they’re saying

“We face extraordinary challenges both at home and abroad. 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.”

— Michael R. Bloomberg (X)

What’s next

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