Democrats spar over big tech during debate for coveted congressional district in Manhattan
Democrats in New York’s Manhattan District 12 sparred in a debate over big tech and AI regulation ahead of the June 23 primary, with Alex Bores facing accusations of corporate ties while defending his proposed AI legislation. The race, fueled by heavy spending from AI-aligned groups and crypto billionaires, highlights tensions over tech influence in politics as candidates vie to replace retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler.
Democrats competing for New York’s 12th congressional district in Manhattan held a heated debate on June 13, focusing on big tech and artificial intelligence regulation. The race, set for a June 23 primary, follows the retirement of incumbent Rep. Jerry Nadler, whose district includes upscale Manhattan neighborhoods near Central Park and Times Square. State Assembly Member Alex Bores, a former Palantir data scientist, became a central figure after sponsoring legislation requiring AI developers to report dangerous incidents. Critics, including Assembly Member Micah Lasher and Kennedy grandson Jack Schlossberg, accused Bores of being influenced by tech and crypto spending, with Lasher citing $1 million from Anthropic and $3.5 million from a crypto billionaire backing his campaign. Bores countered that his opponents were using Trump-style disinformation tactics. The debate, hosted by PIX11, revealed heavy spending in the race, with three of five commercial breaks featuring ads about Bores. One ad from the AI-backed Think Big PAC claimed he was “bought and sold” by corporate interests, while two others supported him, including one with a robotic voice from a Trump-aligned AI super PAC. Bores dismissed the attacks, framing himself as the candidate willing to regulate AI despite industry opposition. Other candidates in the race include Lasher, endorsed by Nadler, and Schlossberg, who has gained attention for his Kennedy lineage and unconventional social media presence. George Conway, a former Trump critic, is also running, focusing on removing Trump from office. The primary is expected to decide the Democratic nominee for the district, considered safely blue. Bores’ proposal to regulate AI has drawn significant industry spending, both for and against him, elevating his profile in the race. His background as a tech insider and critic of Palantir’s work with Trump’s immigration enforcement adds to the debate’s intensity. With the primary approaching, the race remains a test of Democratic unity and priorities ahead of Trump’s potential second term.
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