The Democratic primary for Manhattan’s 12th Congressional District is in full swing, with candidates trading barbs over their backgrounds and policy positions. Just five days before early voting begins on Saturday, the debate at Baruch College on Tuesday night was heated, with Assemblymembers Alex Bores and Micah Lasher taking center stage.
The race to replace retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler has drawn a crowded field, with candidates from diverse backgrounds vying to represent much of Manhattan. The debate, co-hosted by WNYC and NY1, highlighted the stark differences among the contenders, particularly on issues related to artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency.
Clashing Backgrounds and Tech Industry Ties
Assemblymember Micah Lasher, a protégé of Nadler, emphasized his extensive government career during the debate. He criticized Assemblymember Alex Bores for his past work at tech giant Palantirstating, “I chose public service, you chose Palantir.” Lasher’s remarks underscored the divide between the candidates’ experiences and their approaches to regulating the tech industry.
Bores, however, defended his background, arguing that his insider knowledge of big tech companies makes him uniquely qualified to regulate artificial intelligence. “I know what actually happens inside these companies, and that’s what terrifies them,” Bores asserted, highlighting his ability to navigate the complexities of the tech world.
Outside Spending and Industry Influence
The debate also shed light on the significant outside spending influencing the race. Public health expert Nina Schwalbe expressed her frustration with the millions of dollars poured into the campaign by outside groups tied to AI and crypto companies. “I just wish you guys would stop spending money on those mailers,” Schwalbe remarked, drawing applause from the audience.
Lasher pointed to a Super PAC funded by crypto billionaire Chris Larsen as evidence of Bores’ ties to tech interests. “The crypto industry has entered the chat,” Lasher said, suggesting that Bores’ campaign was supported by powerful industry players. Bores countered by highlighting his work with New York Attorney General Letitia James to support stricter regulations on cryptocurrency, stating that Lasher’s consultants were trying to distract from his campaign’s true goals.
Diverse Candidates and Unique Perspectives
The debate also featured former Republican-turned-anti-Trump Democrat George Conway, social media influencer Jack Schlossberg, and public health expert Nina Schwalbe. Each candidate brought a unique perspective to the race, with Conway focusing on his single-issue campaign to impeach President Donald Trump. “He’s a sick man,” Conway said. “He’s a narcissistic sociopath who’s deteriorating each day.”
Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy, emphasized his plans to help New Yorkers immediately and his desire to challenge United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “I would love to take him on one-on-one and impeach him and remove him,” Schlossberg stated, highlighting his willingness to take on prominent political figures.
Schwalbe, who has struggled to gain traction in the race, sought to set herself apart by calling on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to resign his leadership. She also criticized the other candidates for their lack of support for the “Block the Bombs Act,” which would prohibit the President from selling or transferring offensive weapons to Israel. Lasher, Bores, and Conway all expressed their opposition to the act, further highlighting the deep divides in the crowded field.
The debate ended on a lighter note, with Bores inviting the candidates for a beer after the event. Schwalbe criticized the invitation as another “bro moment,” to which Bores responded, “You’re invited to the beer, Nina. Beer is not gendered.” The moment provided a brief respite from the intense exchanges that had dominated the night.
As early voting begins on Saturday, the Democratic primary for Manhattan’s 12th Congressional District promises to be a closely watched race, with candidates continuing to clash over their visions for the future of the district and the nation.