NEW YORK, NY – Micah Lasher, Democrat and lifelong West Sider, today announced his candidacy for New York State Assembly in District 69, to succeed Daniel O’Donnell, who has announced he will not seek re-election. Lasher, who has served in senior roles in the offices of Governor, Mayor, and Attorney General and as an aide to Congressmember Jerry Nadler, is poised to continue the legacy of progressive leadership in the district, which includes the Upper West Side, Manhattan Valley and Morningside Heights. Leaders from across the district endorsed Lasher’s candidacy upon his announcement.
“I’m running for Assembly to be an independent, progressive voice for our community on the toughest, most complicated issues of our time: from building housing and reducing homelessness, to strengthening public education and mental health care, to protecting New York’s laws and freedoms from a reactionary Supreme Court and Donald Trump,” Micah Lasher said. “I would bring to the job a lifetime of lived experience on the West Side, deep experience spent getting difficult things done in Albany, and a drive to make lasting, progressive change.”
Micah left his position as Director of Policy for the State of New York last week in order to campaign for the Assembly. He and his wife, Elizabeth, live on the Upper West Side with their three children, Nate (13), Ben (11), and Phoebe (7), all of whom attend schools in the district.
Upon announcing his candidacy, Micah was endorsed by a coalition of current and former leaders from the community.
Congressmember Jerry Nadler said, “Micah Lasher will bring not only a wealth of policy expertise to the State Assembly, he brings valuable experience serving the West Side and solving constituent problems — work he began years ago as a community representative in my office. By every measure, I’m confident Micah will make an exceptional Assemblymember for the West Side, Morningside Heights and Manhattan Valley — and for all New Yorkers.”
Borough President Mark Levine said, “One of the reasons I’m most excited to support Micah Lasher for Assembly is that I know from day one he’ll be pushing smart, new ideas to address Manhattan’s most pressing problems — from affordable housing to environmental sustainability to the challenges of mental health and public safety. The West Side, Morningside Heights and Manhattan Valley will be lucky to have his voice — and experience — in Albany.”
State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, “Whether it’s protecting abortion rights, building affordable housing, advancing gun safety, or lifting wages for struggling workers, Micah Lasher will do more than be a strong progressive voice on these important issues. He’ll make a difference — and he already has. Micah is a good friend who will make a great Assemblymember for the West Side, Morningside Heights and Manhattan Valley.”
Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal said, ““Micah Lasher has been deeply involved in one of the most important policy challenges we face: addressing New York State’s housing crisis. As the Assembly Housing Chair, I’m excited to have an experienced and dedicated ally join me in that fight. I look forward to working alongside him to expand the State’s affordable housing stock, protect tenants and homeowners from eviction and foreclosure, as well as invest in homeownership opportunities for all New Yorkers.”
City Councilmember Shaun Abreu said, “So much of the work we do on the City Council requires support and partnership in Albany. I’m excited to endorse Micah Lasher for Assembly because he’ll be a great partner on the causes that drive me and Democrats from the West Side, Morningside Heights and Manhattan Valley — from creating truly affordable housing to expanding access to afterschool programs to leading on environmental sustainability. I’m all in!”
Former New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer said, “The West Side and Morningside Heights have a long history of sending strong, progressive reformers to Albany. Micah Lasher follows in that tradition — but with a range and depth of experience that is virtually unheard of for a new legislator. I couldn’t be prouder to endorse him for the State Assembly.”
Former Manhattan Borough President Ruth Messinger said, “Micah Lasher has years of West Side community involvement and vast experience in and with State government, finding solutions on critical issues. He has something else that matters just as much: the will and the energy to take on powerful interests in Albany on behalf of everyday New Yorkers and those who weren’t born with all of life’s advantages. I’m proud to endorse him for Assembly.”
The Democratic Primary will be held on June 25, 2024.