There’s quite a buzz among Democrats eager to step in as Congressman Jerry Nadler prepares to retire. His district, which spans a large part of Manhattan, includes some of the wealthiest areas in the country.
With the primary election less than a year away, nearly a dozen candidates have either declared their intentions or are seriously contemplating a run.
A survivor of the Parkland school shooting, a member of the Kennedy family, the ex-spouse of a former Trump aide, and two state legislators are some hopefuls who might make it to the June ballot.
Considering how solidly blue this district is, whoever secures the nomination could, well, probably win quite easily.
Mika Lasher
State Rep. Micah Lasher kicked off his campaign recently, emphasizing that Democrats need to utilize “every tool in our power” to counter President Trump and the GOP.
A former aide to Gov. Kathy Hochul, who also worked alongside Nadler, he aims to raise the minimum wage, expand child care, and advocate for Medicare for All. He’s viewed as a prominent contender in this race.
Alex Boaz
State Rep. Alex Boaz declared his goal to “reshape Washington” following his tenure in Albany, which started earlier this year.
This 35-year-old lawmaker plans to champion artificial intelligence and stand up for average Americans in Congress. His campaign highlighted legislative wins, including measures to make AI safer.
Jack Schlossberg
Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy, is also in the running. He quickly launched his campaign and emphasized his desire to challenge President Trump.
At 32, he’s gained attention for his bold social media presence, even critiquing his cousin, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., though his candidacy hasn’t been without doubt among fellow Democrats.
Eric Bottcher
Chelsea City Councilman Eric Bottcher made waves when he announced his candidacy, presenting himself as a champion of LGBTQ civil rights.
At 46 and openly gay, he became the council representative for midtown Manhattan in 2021 after previously working as an aide. In his campaign debut, he claimed that New York City is facing threats from Trump.
Cameron Kasky
Cameron Kasky, a Parkland shooting survivor labeled as a democratic socialist, joined the race recently, promoting Medicare for All and advocating for the dismantling of ICE.
At 25, Kasky was a student during the 2018 tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and has since become a strong advocate for gun control. His stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing it as “genocide,” may raise eyebrows among residents in neighborhoods like the Upper East Side.
Liam Elkind
Before Nadler’s retirement was public, community organizer Liam Elkind had already announced his campaign, criticizing the old guard in the Democratic Party.
An Upper West Side native and founder of Invisible Hands, which delivers food to those in need, he argues the party is decaying and urged Nadler to step down when he could have run for another term.
Jami Floyd
Jami Floyd, a former journalist and attorney with WNYC, is running because she believes city Democrats are fed up with the status quo.
Floyd is calling for more affordable housing and increased public safety funding, declaring her readiness to push for change within the Democratic Party.
Laura Dunn
Civil rights attorney Laura Dunn highlighted her experience advising the Obama administration on combating sexual assault and her work on human trafficking in the Senate.
At 40, she has also played a role in Title IX advocacy and has protested against ICE’s immigration policies.
Alan Purdy
Alan Purdy, formerly with Merrill Lynch, is running to advocate for housing solutions and to address hunger issues faced by New Yorkers.
A co-founder of Mercury Capital Advisors, he launched his campaign back in September and speaks about his experience building businesses in finance.
Matthew Shulka
LGBT activist Matthew Shulka is a newcomer to the political scene and has long fought against conversion therapy.
In his campaign, he emphasized his struggles as a former waiter who barely could afford rent, believing he understands the plight of New Yorkers trying to make ends meet.
George Conway
George Conway, a former conservative attorney now critical of Trump, is still weighing his options about running. Though he currently resides in Bethesda, Maryland, he expressed intentions to confront the administration and mend the damage inflicted on the Justice Department.
