The race to replace Rep. Jerry Nadler in New York’s 12th Congressional District is rapidly taking shape, with an unusual mix of political legacies, rising stars, and the enduring influence of Jewish representation in Manhattan politics. Just days after Nadler’s September 1, 2025, announcement that he would retire after more than three decades in Congress, the contest has already drawn national attention, thanks to the involvement—real or rumored—of names like Jack Schlossberg, Chelsea Clinton, and, most credibly, state Assemblyman Micah Lasher.
On September 4, 2025, Nadler appeared on CNN News Central and poured cold water on speculation that Schlossberg, the only grandson of John F. Kennedy, was a serious contender for his seat. Asked by host Kate Bolduan, “What do you think about a Kennedy holding your seat?” Nadler replied with characteristic bluntness: “There’s nothing particularly good or bad about a Kennedy holding my seat, but the Kennedy, unlike Schlossberg, should be someone with a record of public service, a record of public accomplishment, and he doesn’t have one.” According to USA TODAY, Nadler further dismissed Schlossberg’s chances, saying, “I don’t think he’s going to be a candidate in the end, and he certainly is not going to be a major candidate.”
Schlossberg, for his part, has leaned into his growing internet celebrity—sometimes in eyebrow-raising ways. On September 3, he posted a poll to his 700,000 Instagram followers: “Should I run for office?” It’s not the first time he’s stirred the pot online; in April, he made headlines by joking on X that he was having a baby with Vice President JD Vance’s wife. Despite the buzz, Schlossberg has told The New York Times that a run is “certainly a possibility,” but he’s yet to take any formal steps toward candidacy.
Meanwhile, another political family name was quickly ruled out. On September 3, Chelsea Clinton’s team told USA TODAY unequivocally that she is “not considering a run.” The 45-year-old global health advocate and author, daughter of Bill and Hillary Clinton, had been the subject of rumors but swiftly put them to rest.
With the Kennedy and Clinton dynasties seemingly on the sidelines, attention has shifted to more established political figures with deeper roots in the district. Chief among them is Micah Lasher, a 41-year-old state assemblyman and Nadler’s former aide, who officially filed with the Federal Elections Commission on September 4. Lasher’s campaign treasurer is Rob Gottheim, a longtime Nadler confidant, signaling a strong continuity between the outgoing congressman and his protégé.
Lasher’s biography is a tapestry of New York political life, with a few unexpected twists. As reported by The Forward, he first gained public notice as a teenage magician, publishing a 224-page book of tricks at age 14 and performing on national television. By high school, he was already fighting for free speech as editor of Stuyvesant High School’s paper, and by 17, he was advising then-Assemblymember Scott Stringer. After graduating from New York University—where his roommate was future comedian Aziz Ansari—Lasher worked for a who’s who of New York Democrats, including former Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Governor Kathy Hochul.
Lasher’s political ascent has been steady. Last year, he won a five-way race for an open State Assembly seat on the Upper West Side with 53% of the vote, according to The Forward. His district, like Nadler’s, has one of the largest Jewish electorates in the country, with Jews making up about 30% of Democratic primary voters, as noted by Prime New York and the Jewish Community Relations Council. Nadler himself has long championed the importance of Jewish representation from New York City in Congress.
But Lasher’s career hasn’t been without its controversies. He has faced criticism from some Jewish constituents for supporting Zohran Mamdani, a mayoral nominee known for his criticism of Israel and ties to pro-Palestinian groups. This endorsement stands in contrast to Lasher’s mainstream pro-Israel positions and his efforts to balance progressive politics with Zionist values. In his 2024 victory speech, Lasher declared, “For my Jewish interns, the campaign was a place where you could be both a proud progressive and a proud Zionist.”
Lasher’s stance on Israel is nuanced. During the campaign, he supported a diplomatic solution to the Gaza war that would see all hostages returned and peace achieved with the Palestinians. At a candidate forum, he stated, “I would like to see Hamas out of Gaza and Netanyahu out of the Knesset.” Earlier in 2025, he introduced legislation aimed at protecting students from harassment and discrimination on college campuses amid rising antisemitism, demonstrating his commitment to both progressive and Jewish causes.
As the race heats up, issues related to Israel are likely to take center stage. On September 3, a Politico reporter revealed the existence of a poll—apparently commissioned by Lasher’s campaign or its allies—testing his support against other likely contenders and probing voters’ views on U.S. military aid to Israel and the influence of AIPAC, the powerful pro-Israel lobbying group. The poll’s questions highlight just how central the Israel debate has become in the district, especially in the wake of Nadler’s own recent statement supporting legislation to block the transfer of offensive weapons to Israel.
While Lasher appears to be the early frontrunner, he isn’t running unopposed. Liam Elkind, a 26-year-old Jewish activist, has also declared his candidacy, presenting himself as a generational alternative to Nadler’s long tenure. Elkind’s youth and activist background could appeal to voters seeking a fresh perspective, though his political experience pales in comparison to Lasher’s extensive resume.
As for Nadler, he’s keeping his cards close to his chest. On CNN, he declined to endorse a successor outright, saying, “I’m not going to get into that now. I’ll make an endorsement in due course.” Still, the presence of his former aide and the involvement of his longtime staff in Lasher’s campaign suggest where his loyalties may ultimately lie.
With the Kennedy and Clinton names fading from contention and the district’s unique blend of progressive and Jewish interests at stake, the race to succeed Jerry Nadler promises to be a fascinating test of political identity in New York City. For now, all eyes are on Micah Lasher, the magician-turned-lawmaker, as he attempts his most ambitious trick yet: stepping into the shoes of a congressional giant.
