The Democratic primary for New York’s 12th congressional district ended on June 23 with Micah Lasher winning over Alex Bores by a 39% to 35% margin, according to multiple sources [1, 2]. The race was one of the most expensive in state history, with total spending exceeding $20 million and ad spending estimates up to $26.3 million [1, 3, 2].

Lasher was backed by outgoing Congressman Jerry Nadler and had strong support from the Democratic establishment [1, 2]. Bores, a state assemblyman and advocate for AI safety, faced significant opposition funded by pro-AI industry groups [1, 3, 2]. Both candidates co-sponsored the Raise Act, a bill calling for AI regulation, but the primary became a proxy battle over how the U.S. should govern AI technology [1].

The contest saw heavy influence from two super PACs. Leading the Future spent about $8 million opposing Bores, while Public First Action spent over $11 million supporting him [1, 3, 2]. Leading the Future receives funding from OpenAI President Greg Brockman and venture capitalists Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz [1, 3, 2]. Public First Action is backed by AI company Anthropic and received a $3.5 million donation from billionaire Chris Larsen supporting Bores [1]. Elon Musk also contributed to the super PACs involved [1].

Negative advertising played a major role, with nearly $3.6 million spent targeting Bores and $1.6 million against Lasher [2]. Michael Bloomberg contributed millions directly to Lasher’s campaign, adding to the high financial stakes of the race [2].

Josh Vlasto, co-leader of Leading the Future, said the group "supports passing a national regulatory framework for AI that creates jobs for American workers, helps America win the race against China, and includes strong guardrails that protects the safety of kids, users, and communities" [3]. Brad Carson, president of Public First Action, emphasized that "Safety should be designed into the AI models" [3].

Federal Election Commission data reviewed on June 23 detailed Public First Action’s $11 million spending supporting Bores and Leading the Future’s $8 million opposing him [3]. The final vote solidified Lasher’s win in this high-profile and costly primary.

Lasher will advance as the Democratic nominee for New York’s 12th Congressional District in the general election.