New York Assemblymembers Alex Bores and Micah Lasher clashed over artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency regulation during a heated debate ahead of the upcoming Democratic primary for Manhattan's congressional seat.

Key Points

• Candidates Alex Bores and Micah Lasher are the frontrunners in the crowded Democratic primary for the 12th Congressional District.
• Lasher criticized Bores’ past employment at Palantir, while Bores argued his private sector experience uniquely qualifies him to regulate big tech.
• The debate featured candidates George Conway, Jack Schlossberg, and Nina Schwalbe, who raised concerns regarding outside spending from crypto-linked Super PACs.
• Policy disagreements emerged over the "Block the Bombs Act," with Schwalbe and Schlossberg supporting the measure while Bores, Lasher, and Conway opposed it.
• Early voting for the congressional seat begins this Saturday, five days after the debate held at Baruch College.

Why it Matters

The race highlights the growing influence of tech and cryptocurrency industry spending in local Democratic primaries. Voters must decide whether to prioritize candidates with traditional government experience or those who claim specialized knowledge of the private sector to navigate emerging regulatory challenges.