The Race To Replace NY Representative Jerry Nadler
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The Top-Tier Contenders
The race to succeed retiring Representative Jerry Nadler in New York’s 12th Congressional District—which covers Midtown, Central Park, and the Upper East and West Sides—has turned into a crowded and highly competitive Democratic primary.
The primary election scheduled for June 23, 2026, features a mix of local elected officials, high-profile political names, and local advocates.
Jack Schlossberg: Jack Schlossberg is an American writer, political commentator, and the only grandson of former President John F. Kennedy. He is also graduate of Harvard Law and Business School. He has stolen headlines in the race due to his connection to the Kennedy family.
Alex Bores: A current New York State Assembly Member first elected in 2022. Before entering politics, Bores worked in the software industry as an engineer and manager. He often highlights his background as the first Democrat elected in the state with a computer science degree, leaning heavily into tech-focused policies, including proposals to regulate the artificial intelligence industry.
Micah Lasher: A deeply connected local political figure who serves as a major contender alongside Bores for the district's established political base. Backed by heavy independent spending, including mailers from former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Lasher is running on his track record of legislative and policy experience.
George Conway: A prominent lawyer and political commentator who has raised millions for this race. Conway brings immense national name recognition and substantial fundraising power to the primary, positioning himself as a distinct alternative to the traditional local politicians in the field.
Other Candidates in the Primary
The rest of the Democratic ballot features several other candidates looking to pull off an upset in the crowded field:
Nina Schwalbe: A public health expert and advocate who has raised a notable amount of campaign cash to support her bid. Her platform leans heavily into universal healthcare, systematic tax code reform, and addressing the local affordable housing crisis.
Laura Dunn: A local advocate who has maintained a visible campaign presence in the district. Dunn is a civil rights attorney, former public school teacher, and the first woman to enter this primary field.
Mathew Shurka: A local advocate and campaigner who has pulled in modest fundraising support. Shurka is a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate and co-founder of Born Perfect, a national legal advocacy campaign dedicated to ending conversion therapy.
Christopher Diep, Patrick Timmins, and Micah Bergdale: Grassroots candidates rounding out the Democratic ticket, running smaller operations compared to the frontrunners.
The Republican Field
Because this is a overwhelmingly reliable Democratic seat, the winner of the June primary is widely considered the favorite for the November general election. However, a parallel Republican primary is also taking place on June 23 to choose the GOP nominee. The Republican candidates are:
Kaley Aldrich
Amy Jordan
Caroline Shinkle
Gavin Solomon
Massimiliano Zappone
