Jerry Nadler Out: Here’s Who Could Succeed Him Next Year

UPPER WEST SIDE — Democratic Congressman Jerry Nadler is not seeking reelection at the end of his term, leaving his deep blue District 12 seat wide open for the 2026 midterms.

While Nadler didn't endorse a successor on record, Assemblymember Micah Lasher could get his endorsement, since he is especially close to Nadler, City & State reported.

Lasher, an Upper West Sider, represents parts of the Upper West Side, Central Park, and Morningside Heights in Assembly District 69. Lasher is known for his previous work as the director of policy for Governor Kathy Hochul, the director of state legislative affairs under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and was once an aide to Nadler.

Another candidate, Chelsea-based Rhodes scholar Liam Elkind, has already announced his run for the seat. In July, he said he was calling on Nadler to step down due to his age to make room for the new generation, CNN reported.

Other potential challengers for the NY-12 seat could be City Councilmember Erik Bottcher, who represents SoHo, West Village, Chelsea, Hell's Kitchen, Union Square and parts of Midtown, and Assemblymember Alex Bores, who represents Murray Hill, Midtown East, and the Upper East Side.
Both have started making calls to supporters, City & State reported.

Nadler, who represents the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Midtown, Hell's Kitchen, Central Park, Union Square, Chelsea, and Stuy-Town, made the announcement Monday in the New York Times. Nadler has served more than 30 years in Congress representing New Yorkers.

"This decision has not been easy," Nadler said in a statement Tuesday about his retirement. "But I know in my heart it is the right one and that it is the right time to pass the torch to a new generation."

Former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan and Upper East Side Councilmember Julie Menin are also being floated, according to Politico.

The general election for NY-12 is on Nov. 3, 2026.

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