Key facts
- New York's 12th congressional district Democratic primary is a closely watched contest reflecting national party priorities.
- Candidates are campaigning on strong anti-Trump stances and calls for AI regulation.
- Jack Schlossberg, JFK's grandson, is running on his youth and heritage, while George Conway is a vocal Trump critic.
- Micah Lasher emphasizes his extensive political experience, and Alex Bores focuses on AI regulation.
- AI companies are spending millions in the race, particularly supporting or opposing Alex Bores.
- High-profile Democrats like Nancy Pelosi have endorsed candidates, highlighting generational divides within the party.
A Democratic primary in New York's 12th congressional district is drawing national attention as it reflects a broader struggle within the party over its future direction. The race features candidates with distinct approaches to confronting Donald Trump, regulating artificial intelligence, and appealing to voters, highlighting generational and ideological divides.
Early voting has commenced, and the contest has largely narrowed to four candidates: Micah Lasher, Alex Bores, Jack Schlossberg, and George Conway. Voters in the district, which spans affluent areas of Manhattan, have been exposed to a range of campaign tactics, from promises to imprison Trump and rein in AI companies to attempts at projecting specific personas.
Jack Schlossberg, grandson of John F. Kennedy, is running on his youth and famous lineage, contrasting his social media presence with the party's perceived 'gerontocratic nature.' Despite a limited CV, he has garnered significant social media attention and an endorsement from Nancy Pelosi. Conversely, Micah Lasher is campaigning on his extensive political experience, having served in various behind-the-scenes roles and securing an endorsement from current Representative Jerrold Nadler, who cited the need for generational change.
Alex Bores has centered his campaign on regulating the AI industry, making him a focal point for significant spending by AI companies. Groups tied to OpenAI and its competitor Anthropic have invested heavily, creating a proxy battle within the primary. George Conway, a prominent Trump critic, is also vying for the seat, attempting to cultivate a 'hard-man' image.
The race has largely sidestepped the Israel-Gaza conflict, a common issue in other Democratic primaries, though candidates are navigating the district's significant Jewish population. The varying strategies and endorsements underscore the diverse factions and priorities within the Democratic party as it looks toward future leadership and electoral challenges.