New York [U.S.], November 3 (ANI): Democratic nominee Micah Lasher, who is running to represent Manhattan’s 12th Congressional District, expressed strong confidence on Election Day that voters nationwide are prepared to reclaim Congress, restore democratic norms and address pressing cost-of-living challenges.
Speaking with ANI from Manhattan as voters headed to the polls in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, Lasher sharply criticized the current leadership in Washington, specifically targeting President Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson and congressional Republicans.
“We have people who have taken control of the White House, Donald Trump, Mike Johnson in the House, all of their minions who have made this country less affordable, are dismantling the rule of law for their personal profit,” Lasher said. “Today we are going to begin the process of taking the country back, addressing issues of affordability, restoring the rule of law.”
Lasher framed the election as a fundamental referendum on the nation’s governance, arguing that the public was seeking a decisive rejection of authoritarian tendencies and a return to government focused on working families.
“I think the American people are ready for a change,” Lasher said. “They are ready to restore the rule of law, bring back sensible government that puts working people first and begin to end the regime, the fascism that Donald Trump has brought about.”
Looking ahead to the midterm results, Lasher expressed optimism that strong voter turnout in New York and across the country would return control of the House to the Democratic Party.
“I am very excited to be part of a robust Democratic majority in the House, which I believe we are going to win today in New York and across the country and be part of the force of change in Washington,” Lasher said.
Meanwhile, voters across New York City arrived at polling stations with a shared sense of urgency, citing widespread dissatisfaction with economic conditions, rising living costs and government leadership at both the local and federal levels.
Longtime residents and newly naturalized citizens alike described voting as a critical civic responsibility to hold elected officials accountable and push for fresh solutions to worsening national and local challenges.
Maria Luisa Reategui, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Lima, Peru, who has lived in the United States for 35 years, emphasized the importance of civic participation and a change in political leadership to address ongoing problems in the city and the country.
“Well, we have a lot of problems right now in this country, in this city,” Reategui said. “And I think we need to change the governor, all those politicians right now. Can we have new people, new ideas? And they will be… I hope they bring new solutions. That’s why we have to participate. Each citizen has to participate in this election.”
For other voters, foreign policy decisions and their immediate economic consequences were the primary motivations for casting a ballot.
Kevin Woods, a 20-year resident of Manhattan, said his decision to vote was driven by frustration over military actions without congressional approval and the financial pressures facing American families.
“Well, I think the reason why I came out to vote today was to hold the current administration accountable. I don’t like the direction the country is going in,” Woods said. “I think that we went to war with Iran without any congressional approval, and it has caused a nightmare scenario of inflation, high energy prices, and yeah, I just wanted change.”
Describing the broader mood among voters, Woods said frustration transcended traditional party lines, with Americans united by concerns about everyday economic issues and demands for government accountability.
“I’m not alone in this sentiment. I think people are, regardless of their political affiliation, fed up with the economic situation, inflation, high prices for everything, and no accountability. So I think that’s why people are motivated to vote,” Woods said.
He urged others across the country to exercise their constitutional rights, adding, “Just get out and vote. I think it’s important to exercise your civic duty. Let your voice be heard.”
Other longtime residents also called for congressional accountability and economic relief while expressing opposition to the current administration’s policies.
Jerry Harris, a New York resident for 56 years, said he voted a straight Democratic ticket to counter rising living costs, foreign conflicts and what he described as a lack of executive oversight.
“First of all, Trump is the biggest number one problem. And, of course, the economy and the war, which is the silliest thing,” Harris said. “A change in Washington would be the solution. We need a Congress to hold their president accountable… We need more of a president like Obama, because we have to go to the grocery store now and see how expensive things are.”
Native New Yorker Alita Lafargue, who cast her ballot in Hell’s Kitchen, described the election as a choice between fear-driven division and compassion-focused governance. She called for a fundamental transformation in economic policy.
“We have an affordability crisis across the country,” Lafargue said. “I think we need to have a New Deal, like a Roosevelt-style New Deal for people, and go back to supporting the least among us. It’s a real sin that we live in the richest country in the world, and yet we have kids going to school hungry.”
Lafargue added that voters were eager to restore decency in government and push back against divisive political tactics.
“Right now, I think people are scared, and that fear has been stoked by the current administration,” Lafargue said. “I think people are excited to make a change, and to get back some respectability in our government, and to move forward with a little more compassion… Vote for Democrats, because that’s the only way we’re going to get this done.”
Meanwhile, high-profile contests for federal and state offices are drawing considerable attention as New Yorkers head to the polls for the midterm elections.
At the center of congressional attention is New York’s 17th Congressional District, a key battleground featuring Democratic nominee Cait Conley and incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Lawler.
At the state level, voters are also deciding major executive races.
In the gubernatorial contest, incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul is facing Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman.
Democrats have maintained control of New York’s executive mansion in Albany for nearly two decades. Blakeman is seeking to end that streak and unseat Hochul. (ANI)
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