Micah Lasher Explained

Micah Lasher is an American politician serving as a member-elect of the New York General Assembly for district 69. He was previously the director of policy for governor Kathy Hochul and director of state legislative affairs under New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Early life

Micah Lasher grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.^{[1] [2]}

Career

Lasher worked for state senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, managing Hoylman-Sigal's first city council campaign in 2001. He later the chief of staff to the attorney general of New York.^[3] Lasher also served as an aide to Congressman Jerrold Nadler and took on the position of director of state legislative affairs under New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.

In November 2021, governor Kathy Hochul appointed Lasher as director of policy, a role he held for over two years. During his tenure, Lasher participated in shaping and implementing state policy following Hochul’s ascension to the governorship after Andrew Cuomo's resignation. He resigned from this role in early 2024 to pursue a campaign for the New York State Assembly.

During the 2024 New York State Assembly election, Lasher ran for the 69th district in a crowded five-candidate Democratic primary, securing victory with 52.82 percent of the vote. His competitors included Eli Northrup, who received 33.95 percent and had the support of the incumbent, Daniel J. O'Donnell, and three other candidates. Lasher's campaign focused on addressing housing affordability, advocating for comprehensive public education reforms, and fostering economic equality. He also proposed solutions for addressing zoning and vacant storefront issues in his district. Lasher received endorsements from local elected officials and organizations, including U.S. representative Jerrold Nadler and Manhattan Borough president Mark Levine. He ran unopposed in the November general election.^[4]

As of 2024, Lasher has served as the chair of the Riverside Park Conservancy, a nonprofit organization supporting the maintenance and improvement of the Riverside Park.

Personal life

Lasher lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan with his family.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Kumar . Arundhati . Blum . Gillian . June 27, 2024 . Lasher Wins 69th District Assembly Primary, Northrup Runner Up in Five-Way Race . 2024-11-24 . West Side Spirit . en-US.
2. Web site: Saltonstall . Gus . 2024-05-30 . A WSR Conversation With Candidate Micah Lasher in the Run-Up to the UWS, Morningside Heights Assembly Election . 2024-11-24 . West Side Rag . en-US.
3. Web site: Parsnow . Luke . January 11, 2024 . Micah Lasher leaves post as Hochul's director of policy . 2024-07-28 . . en.
4. Web site: Silva . Manuela . Micah Lasher wins primary for State Assembly District 69 . 2024-07-28 . Columbia Daily Spectator.