The Democratic primary race to succeed Rep. Jerry Nadler from New York, finishing up on Tuesday, showcased a variety of candidates. Among them were George Conway, the ex-husband of Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway, Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, and Alex Boaz, a former data specialist at Palantir.
While Conway and Schlossberg are notable figures in the media sphere with political ties, their prospects in this contest for New York’s 12th district appear limited. Recent polls indicated a competitive landscape between State Representative Micah Lasher and Boaz, who has a background in AI.
The district is predominantly Democratic, resulting in a field of eight candidates expected to resonate with voters in November. Topics debated included artificial intelligence (AI), familial connections, and strategies to counter President Donald Trump.
Nadler, aged 78, declared in September 2025 that he wouldn’t pursue re-election after a lengthy congress tenure. Schlossberg’s entrance into the race in November brought concerns from his mother, Caroline Kennedy, regarding potential threats he could face due to his political ambitions, as reported by the New York Post. Before the upcoming 2024 electoral cycle, Schlossberg had worked as Vogue’s political correspondent and described himself as a “fun, quirky guy.”
Backing Schlossberg are figures like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who emphasizes political priorities like abortion rights, Medicaid access for family planning, and abolishing ICE.
Schlossberg has attracted attention for some eclectic social media posts, one jokingly asserting that Usha Vance is more attractive than his late grandmother Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Another controversial statement involved Vice President J.D. Vance, which sparked discussions milling around the authenticity of his claims.
Conway, an anti-Trump figure, frequently critiques the former president, even at a rally where he donned an “I am Antifa” shirt. His podcast often scrutinizes Trump’s impact on democracy, expressing his outrage at those apathetic towards democratic principles.
Recently, Conway, who shifted his residency to Manhattan and re-registered as a Democrat to join the race, co-founded a PAC that opposes Trump and his candidates. Lasher, currently leading in the race, is supported by Nadler and several key political figures, promoting policies like combating Trumpism and supporting transgender rights.
Boaz, on the other hand, draws endorsements from labor unions and defends his stance on AI regulations, asserting that they are crucial for public safety and are not influenced by corporate funds. Amidst debates, Lasher accused Boaz of receiving backing from special interest groups, prompting debates over the integrity of campaign financing.
The competition grows fierce, particularly as Schlossberg counters claims of nepotism, insisting he’s pursuing a path of dedicated public service. The race appears to engage a range of age groups, with Lasher and Boaz vying closely for the lead. Poll results have reflected fluctuations in popularity, with both candidates fortifying their platforms ahead of the election.
Nadler, significant in opposing Trump during his presidency, has always been proactive in holding powerful figures accountable, underscoring the stakes for his successor.
