What Democrats Want: New York Primary Race Reflects Party's Future Struggles
The Democratic primary in New York's 12th congressional district has become a national bellwether, showcasing divisions over age, experience, AI regulation, and opposition to Trump among four key candidates.
When a safely Democratic seat opened up in New York's wealthiest congressional district, a crowded field was inevitable. But the primary in Manhattan's 12th district has turned into one of the most closely watched races in the country, reflecting the party's internal battles over priorities: who is strongest against Donald Trump, who critiques AI companies most harshly, and who is simply the coolest.
With early voting starting June 13 and the primary closing June 23, the contest has narrowed to four white men. They are: Micah Lasher, a state assemblyman who calls himself a 'nerd'; Alex Bores, also a state assemblyman focused on regulating artificial intelligence; Jack Schlossberg, the young, handsome grandson of John F. Kennedy with limited experience; and George Conway, a former Republican turned vocal Trump critic trying to cultivate a tough-guy image.
Polling has been volatile. Lasher led in mid-May, but Bores was ahead days earlier. Schlossberg, 33, brings glamour and a massive social media following (882,000 on Instagram) but little professional achievement—he wrote only seven articles as a Vogue political correspondent. Lasher, by contrast, has over two decades of state political experience, including work for outgoing Representative Jerrold Nadler, who endorsed him.
Bores has made AI regulation the centerpiece of his campaign. Outside groups tied to AI interests have spent about $12 million supporting or opposing him, turning the race into a proxy war between OpenAI and Anthropic. Lasher has criticized this outside spending, while Bores defends himself as the industry's staunchest critic.
Conway has raised the most money—$6.6 million, including a $2 million personal loan—and uses aggressive anti-Trump ads, one showing him flipping off the presidential motorcade. At 62, he is a familiar face on CNN, but his Republican past and late return to New York City raise questions.
Notably, none of the candidates have called Israel's war in Gaza a genocide, a deliberate stance given the district's large Jewish population.
As the primary wraps up, it will reveal what Democratic voters truly value: youthful energy, seasoned experience, AI oversight, or uncompromising opposition to Trump.
