Democrat · New York's 12th District · 2026
Micah Lasher
Lasher was a teenage magician who appeared on David Letterman's show and published a book of tricks.
Biography
Before public policy, Micah Lasher had a childhood career in magic, appearing on David Letterman's show and publishing a book of tricks.1 He and his wife, Elizabeth, now raise three children on the Upper West Side, near where he grew up, in a family that follows Little League and chess.2
Lasher's government work includes serving as an aide to Representative Jerry Nadler, directing state legislative affairs for New York City, serving as chief of staff to the state attorney general and directing state policy.2 He was elected to the State Assembly in 2024.2 He is a graduate of Stuyvesant High School and New York University.3
As a state adviser, he helped develop gun safety legislation and protections for abortion providers and patients after federal abortion rights were overturned.2 He also helped design New York's $1 billion mental health plan and worked on indexing the state minimum wage to inflation.2 Outside government, he chaired the Riverside Park Conservancy from 2019 through 2024.2
He is the 12th District's Democratic candidate.4 Lasher supports Medicare for All, a higher federal minimum wage linked to inflation and expanded housing construction and assistance.3 He also calls for abolishing ICE and using congressional oversight and legislative authority to oppose President Trump's agenda.3