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Retiring Nadler creates a notable gap in the political landscape of Manhattan

Potential candidates, numerous Manhattan-based elected officials, may attempt to seize the opportunity.

Retiring Nadler creates significant vacancy in the political scene of Manhattan
Retiring Nadler creates significant vacancy in the political scene of Manhattan

Retiring Nadler creates a notable gap in the political landscape of Manhattan

In a surprising turn of events, Representative Jerry Nadler, a stalwart of New York's political landscape for over three decades, has announced he will not run for reelection next year. This decision marks the end of a 34-year career in Congress.

Nadler's departure has sparked a flurry of activity among potential candidates looking to fill his shoes. Among them are Assembly Member Alex Bores and New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher, who have both expressed interest in running for Nadler's seat.

Bores, who has worked as an aide to Jerry Nadler, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Gov. Kathy Hochul, won an open Assembly seat last year and is now in his first term in the state Legislature, representing the Upper West Side and West Harlem. Bores, who is seen as "like a son to Jerry" by a Manhattan politico, has also gained a reputation for his numerous bills regulating AI technology, having previously worked at the controversial surveillance company Palantir.

Bottcher, currently representing the East Side of Manhattan and in his second term in the state Legislature, has also thrown his hat into the ring. In a statement, Bottcher said, "We must honour Jerry Nadler's legacy by carrying his fight forward with urgency."

Other rumoured or potential candidates for Nadler's seat include City Council Members Keith Powers and Julie Menin, former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, state Sen. Liz Krueger, and Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal.

However, Micah Lasher, the heir apparent to Nadler, will have to compete for the seat, as both Bores and Bottcher are potential candidates. Lasher, who led StudentsFirst NY, a pro-charter school advocacy group, has already proven his political mettle, having worked as an aide to Nadler and other influential politicians.

Meanwhile, City Council Member Liam Elkind has declared himself Nadler's primary challenger. Upon Nadler's announcement, Bores wrote in a tweet that the people of the 12th Congressional District deserve a representative who leads with conviction and commitment.

As the race heats up, the people of New York's 12th District eagerly await the next chapter in their representative's journey.

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