Hubbry Logo
Alex LasryAlex LasryMain
Open search
Alex Lasry
Community hub
Alex Lasry
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Alex Lasry
Alex Lasry
Alex Lasry
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Alexander Jacob Lasry (born in 1987) is an American businessperson and executive of the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Lasry was a Democratic candidate in the 2022 United States Senate election in Wisconsin, but withdrew before the primary.[3] He is the son of former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry.

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Alex Lasry was born in New York City to Marc and Cathy Lasry (née Cohen).[4] He graduated from Trevor Day School, where his mother served as a board member.[4] He then went on to graduate cum laude with honors in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and receive his MBA from the New York University Leonard Stern School of Business in 2014.[4] His parents funded two endowed professorships at Penn.[4][5]

Career

[edit]

After graduating from UPenn, Lasry spent two months with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee followed by four months as an analyst with Goldman Sachs.[4][6] At the time, Lasry's father was a client of Goldman Sachs.[7] He worked in the White House during the Obama administration from 2009 to 2012.[8] His father donated more than $500,000 to the Barack Obama 2012 presidential campaign.[4][7][9] Lasry went on to become Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff to Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and then Deputy Counselor for Strategic Engagement to the Senior Advisor where he worked on business outreach and the Jobs Council.[10]

After receiving his MBA in 2014, Lasry moved to Milwaukee when his family purchased the Milwaukee Bucks, to serve as the team's senior vice president.[11][12] Since joining the Bucks, Lasry has been on the team's management committee.[13]

While finance chair of the Milwaukee Host Committee,[14] Milwaukee was awarded the 2020 Democratic National Convention to be hosted at Fiserv Forum, though it later became a virtual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[8][15]

During his US Senate campaign, he has touted his work championing union jobs and a $15 minimum wage with the Bucks[16] which was a requirement in the arena funding deal.[17][16] Reports also show that specifics of the deal the Bucks agreed to for public financing said they did not have to institute a universal $15 minimum wage until 2023. As such, the team was still hiring non-union labor at a rate of $12.50 to $14/hr depending on experience levels for many years and Deer District workers were only earning $10 an hour as of May 2019.[16] The team has said they had agreed to speed up the deal and started paying a $15 minimum wage in 2020.[18]

Lasry has been involved in Bucks' conflict with the unions caused by hiring non-union workers with lower wages which team reps originally described as "a matter of economics".[19][16] Lasry also continues to own shares in Amazon, which he has refused to sell, despite criticizing the company.[20]

While running for US Senate, Alex received an extension in May 2022 to not disclose his financial assets until after the Wisconsin Democratic Senate Primary in August 2022.[21]

In August 2020, when members of the Bucks supposedly leaked to NBA reporter Shams Charania that they were attempting to reach Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul after the Kenosha police shooting of Jacob Blake, records show that Lasry texted a staffer of Kaul's to say that he "yelled at the players" over the leak.[22]

Lasry was accused of cutting in line because he received his COVID vaccine at the time when only seniors were eligible for shots in Wisconsin.[23] He said his wife's uncle contacted her about unused doses that would go to waste.[23][24] She declined the shot because of her pregnancy, and Lasry took it instead.[23][25]

Political positions

[edit]

Lasry has expressed support for a $15 minimum wage, the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, the notion of eliminating the filibuster, and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.[7][26]

Personal life

[edit]

Lasry lives in Milwaukee with his wife and daughter in a historic mansion on Milwaukee's east side.[27]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alex Lasry

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Alexander Jacob Lasry (born 1987) is an American business executive, political operative, and government appointee associated with Democratic causes. The son of Moroccan-American billionaire manager and philanthropist Cathy Lasry, he earned a B.A. in from the in 2009 and an M.B.A. from School of Business. Early in his career, Lasry served as a Special Assistant in the Obama to Deputy Assistant Michael Strautmanis, focusing on strategic engagement. In 2014, following his father's co-acquisition of the NBA franchise, Lasry joined the organization as Vice President of Strategy and Operations, later advancing to Senior Vice President, where he contributed to the team's rebranding and the public-private partnership that funded the arena. Lasry entered elective politics by mounting a self-funded campaign for the U.S. Senate seat in as a Democrat in 2022, emphasizing his Bucks tenure's community impact amid activism, but he withdrew after placing third in the primary. Subsequently, he was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism at the U.S. in December 2023, before assuming the role of CEO for the 26 New York-New Jersey Host Committee in early 2025 to oversee preparations for tournament matches, including the potential final at . Lasry also serves as a representative on the and supports Democratic gubernatorial candidates through advisory roles.

Early Life and Family Background

Upbringing and Family Influence

Alex Lasry was born in in 1987 to , a hedge fund manager, and Cathy Lasry. He was raised in alongside his four siblings in a environment shaped by his parents' in . Lasry attended The Day School (now ), a private institution in , from first grade through high school, a path shared by most of his siblings except one sister who attended a different high school. His mother, Cathy Lasry, served on the school's board during this period, reflecting the family's involvement in educational and community institutions. Marc Lasry, born in 1959 in , , immigrated to the at age seven with his family and rose from modest beginnings to co-found in 1995, amassing a fortune estimated at over $1 billion by specializing in distressed debt investments. This self-made trajectory in high-stakes finance provided a model of entrepreneurial resilience and that influenced Lasry's worldview, with his father's network later facilitating early professional opportunities such as roles in the Obama administration. The family's wealth, derived from operations amid varying market conditions, afforded Lasry access to and connections in and from an early age.

Socioeconomic Context

Alex Lasry was born in 1987 in to , a financier of Moroccan-Jewish descent who immigrated to the from Marrakech at age seven, and Cathy Lasry. His upbringing occurred in an affluent urban environment amid his father's rising prominence in the distressed debt and sectors. , after early roles in and law, co-founded in 1995 with his sister , starting with $7 million in seed capital from personal networks, which specialized in high-yield and opportunistic investments. The Lasry family's socioeconomic status transitioned from established professional success to substantial wealth during Alex's childhood and adolescence, as Avenue Capital expanded to manage billions in by the early 2000s. Marc Lasry's reached approximately $1.9 billion by 2025, reflecting the firm's growth in private equity and credit strategies, though much of this accumulation postdated Alex's birth. This financial ascent provided Alex with exposure to elite educational opportunities and professional connections in New York City's finance and legal circles, where his parents prioritized academic involvement from an early age. The broader context included the competitive dynamics of New York's upper socioeconomic strata, characterized by high-stakes , , and political engagement among Jewish-American families with immigrant . While Marc Lasry's Moroccan origins added a layer of cultural resilience—having built through self-made enterprise rather than inherited fortune—the family's resources nonetheless buffered Alex from typical economic , fostering a trajectory aligned with intergenerational mobility in .

Education

Academic Achievements and Institutions

Alex Lasry earned a degree from the . He subsequently obtained a from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at . These institutions represent his primary higher education affiliations, with no publicly documented academic honors, awards, or specific fields of study beyond the degrees conferred.

Early Professional Career

Obama White House Role

Alexander Lasry joined the Obama administration shortly after graduating cum laude from the in 2009, initially interning in the with a focus on outreach related to energy, environment, and . He subsequently advanced to full-time roles within the and Intergovernmental Affairs, serving as a Special Assistant to the . In this capacity, Lasry supported Michael Strautmanis, who held the position of Deputy Assistant to the President and Counselor for Strategic Engagement to the Senior Advisor, assisting in coordination of intergovernmental relations and public engagement initiatives. His work involved strategic advisory functions, though specific policy outputs or high-profile projects directly attributable to him are not detailed in administration records. Lasry's tenure extended through 2012, bridging the early and middle years of the Obama presidency. Prior to his White House service, Lasry had experience as an analyst in government affairs at , which aligned with the administration's emphasis on engaging private-sector expertise in . This background facilitated his contributions to engagement efforts, though the role remained operational rather than policymaking, consistent with the advisory nature of special assistant positions in the executive office. No public controversies or notable departures marked his service.

Transition to Private Sector

Following his tenure as Deputy Counselor for Strategic Engagement and Special Assistant to the in the Obama , which ended in 2012, Alex Lasry transitioned from to the . His roles involved supporting strategic engagement efforts under senior advisors, including work with . Lasry briefly joined , the hedge fund founded and managed by his father, , for a short stint in . This period represented his initial foray into private investment management, leveraging family connections in the industry. In 2014, after a group led by and acquired the for $550 million, Lasry relocated to Milwaukee to take on the role of executive , overseeing strategy and operations. He also invested approximately $5 million of personal funds for a 1% ownership stake in the team. This shift to sports business executive positions aligned with Lasry's growing focus on operational leadership in professional athletics, distinct from his prior governmental advisory work.

Sports and Business Executive Career

Involvement with Milwaukee Bucks

Alex Lasry joined the in 2014 shortly after his father, , co-led the team's purchase for $550 million, assuming the role of of and Operations. In this capacity, he focused on operational enhancements and long-term planning for the franchise, which had faced attendance and performance challenges prior to the ownership change. He advanced to Senior , overseeing strategic initiatives amid the team's turnaround, including its 2021 NBA championship win under new ownership investments. As a minority co-owner with a stake valued at over $50 million, Lasry contributed to elevating the Bucks' profile in , emphasizing community ties and economic impact during his nine-year family tenure ending in 2023. His executive duties included driving internal transformations that positioned the organization as a model NBA franchise, though specific operational decisions were collaborative with primary owners and . Lasry took a formal in February 2021 to launch a U.S. campaign, limiting day-to-day involvement thereafter. He fully departed following Marc Lasry's April 2023 sale of the family's 25% stake to Haslam Sports Group for approximately $3.5 billion team valuation.

Key Contributions to Team Operations

Alex Lasry served as Senior Vice President of the from 2014 onward, contributing to the organization's business transformation following the team's acquisition by a group including his father, . In this capacity, he participated in the executive management committee, helping elevate the franchise from a low-value NBA team—valued at approximately $405 million at purchase in 2014—to one of the league's top performers, culminating in a 2021 NBA championship and a subsequent valuation exceeding $3.5 billion by 2023. His efforts focused on operational enhancements that supported revenue growth through improved branding, fan engagement, and infrastructure alignment, though specific metrics attributable solely to his role remain tied to broader ownership initiatives. A primary contribution was Lasry's involvement in the Bucks' comprehensive launched in April 2015, which overhauled the team's visual identity after initial proposals from retained design firms proved unsatisfactory. He engaged directly with creative teams to develop three new logos—a primary deer head , a secondary "M" intertwined with antlers, and a tertiary circular badge—that incorporated Wisconsin's industrial heritage, such as patterns and metallic accents evoking manufacturing. Lasry emphasized creating designs that "honor our past but also thrust us into a new era," aligning the refresh with a modern color palette of cream, black, green, and gray to boost marketability and merchandise sales, which reportedly increased post-rebrand amid rising attendance. Lasry also supported operational resilience during disruptions, such as the , by helping establish an emergency relief fund in March 2020 for Fiserv Forum's part-time staff, securing matching donations from players like and committing family pledges of $100,000 to mitigate payroll shortfalls for over 1,000 affected workers. This initiative, extended through April 2020 with $500,000 in organizational support, exemplified backend team management in sustaining venue operations amid suspended games, preserving workforce stability and public goodwill essential to long-term franchise viability.

Public-Private Partnerships and Arena Development

Alex Lasry, as Senior Vice President of the Milwaukee Bucks from 2014 to 2021, played a key role in orchestrating the public-private partnership that financed and developed Fiserv Forum, the team's $524 million arena, along with the adjacent Deer District entertainment zone. He credited himself with assembling stakeholders, including Bucks ownership, state officials, and local government, to secure the deal amid threats of team relocation. The agreement, finalized in August 2015, committed the ownership group—led by Marc Lasry and Wesley Edens—to $250 million in private equity, while public contributions totaled about $274 million through mechanisms like state-issued bonds ($47 million from Wisconsin), a $155 million city tax incremental financing district, and $60 million in hotel/motel taxes. Construction began in November 2015 on the 714,000-square-foot venue in , which opened on August 26, 2018, replacing the aging . The arena features 17,500 seats for Bucks games, hosts concerts and events, and anchors the Deer District—a 30-acre with bars, restaurants, and plazas funded primarily through private investment exceeding $500 million, including a expansion. Lasry emphasized the project's role in economic revitalization, projecting annual impacts of $373 million in spending and 3,000 jobs, though critics during his 2022 campaign highlighted the public subsidy as corporate welfare amid broader debates on financing. The partnership model has been cited as a relative success in arena deals, with generating surplus revenue that allowed early bond repayment and avoided typical taxpayer losses, per analyses of post-opening performance. Lasry's involvement extended to securing a 25-year, undisclosed deal with in July 2018 and integrating the arena into broader Bucks operations, including a Bucks-Jordan rebrand in 2015.

Political Career

2022 U.S. Senate Campaign

Alex Lasry, senior vice president of the , announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination in the 2022 election in on February 17, 2021, positioning himself as a pragmatic problem-solver capable of bridging divides through experience in public-private partnerships. His campaign sought to challenge incumbent Republican Senator , emphasizing Lasry's role in facilitating the Bucks' arena development and broader economic initiatives in . The Democratic primary field was highly competitive, featuring candidates including Mandela Barnes, Sarah Godlewski, and Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson, among others. Lasry, leveraging his family connections—his father co-owns the Bucks—and professional background, aimed to appeal to voters prioritizing results-oriented governance over ideological purity. On July 27, 2022, thirteen days before the August 9 Democratic primary, Lasry suspended his campaign, citing the need to unify Democrats against Johnson in the general election. He endorsed , who went on to win the nomination, effectively consolidating support to avoid a fragmented primary outcome. Despite the withdrawal, Lasry's name remained on ballots, garnering 44,597 votes, or approximately 8.9 percent of the primary electorate.

Campaign Strategies and Funding

Alex Lasry's 2022 U.S. Senate campaign in relied heavily on self-funding, with the candidate providing $14.9 million in loans to his , comprising approximately 79% of total receipts of $18.8 million from February 2021 to December 2022. The remaining funds came primarily from individual contributions totaling about $3.8 million, including early support from out-of-state maximum donors and connections in the basketball industry. Lasry reported quarterly hauls such as $3.9 million in the first quarter of 2022, enabling aggressive spending of nearly $18.7 million overall, leaving minimal cash on hand by the campaign's end. Strategically, Lasry positioned himself as a results-oriented executive capable of "" in Washington, drawing on his tenure to highlight achievements like negotiating the Fiserv Forum's $15 agreement and creating union jobs through public-private partnerships. He launched his campaign in February 2021 with an endorsement-heavy video ad emphasizing his Obama experience and private-sector leadership, followed by statewide travel to foster voter relationships. Early endorsements from Milwaukee Black leaders, such as County Executive David Crowley and Mayor , and labor groups like the IBEW and service workers unions bolstered his appeal in urban and progressive circles, contributing to a poll surge to 16% support by May 2022, statistically tying frontrunner at 19%. The campaign's financial resources funded extensive advertising and ground efforts, with Lasry spending over $12 million personally by mid-2022 to promote middle-class economic policies, healthcare expansion, and criticisms of Ron Johnson's record. Despite this investment, which outpaced rivals in raw dollars, Lasry maintained a low-attack primary posture and failed to overtake Barnes, leading to his withdrawal on July 27, —13 days before the August 9 primary—followed by an endorsement of Barnes. The outcome underscored the limits of self-funding in translating financial dominance into voter preference in a crowded Democratic field.

Primary Election Outcome and Analysis

On July 27, 2022, Alex Lasry suspended his campaign for the Democratic U.S. in and endorsed , stating that unifying the party offered the strongest path to defeating incumbent Republican Senator . This move followed internal polling trends and public surveys showing Barnes pulling ahead; a June 2022 Marquette University Law School Poll of likely Democratic primary voters recorded Barnes at 25% support versus Lasry's 21%. Lasry's name remained on the August 9, 2022, primary ballot due to the timing of his exit, resulting in 44,597 votes or 8.9% of the total cast. Mandela won the nomination with a plurality, propelled by the consolidations as Sarah also suspended her campaign on August 2 to back Barnes. The primary outcome highlighted the limits of financial self-sufficiency in a competitive field, as Lasry largely funded his bid personally yet struggled to build a durable lead against Barnes' emphasis on state-level experience and youth appeal. Barnes' surge aligned with voter preferences for candidates perceived as more authentically tied to Wisconsin's working-class concerns, evidenced by his stronger performance in rural and suburban Democratic precincts per post-primary analyses. Lasry's Bucks executive profile, while bolstering claims of deal-making prowess, drew scrutiny for associating him with urban elite interests in a state electorate sensitive to such perceptions, contributing to his third-place finish despite presence. This strategic withdrawal averted a prolonged intra-party resource drain, though it ultimately did not prevent Johnson's victory.

Recent Roles and Activities

CEO of NY/NJ 2026 FIFA World Cup Host Committee

Alex Lasry was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee on February 11, 2025. In this role, he leads the organization's transition from planning to execution phases for hosting eight matches, including the tournament final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Lasry's responsibilities encompass coordinating with local, state, and federal stakeholders to deliver infrastructure, security, transportation, and fan experience enhancements across the tri-state area. Prior to his appointment, Lasry served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for and at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he focused on promoting international visitation and large-scale event logistics, experiences that informed his selection for the CEO position. The Host Committee, chaired by New Jersey First Lady , operates as a public-private responsible for bid delivery, commercial activations, and legacy initiatives. Under Lasry's leadership, the committee has advanced key projects, including designating a Fan Village at the New York City FC Stadium site in for match-day activations and announcing Paul, Weiss as the official legal partner to support hosting operations. Lasry has described the event as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" emphasizing the need for precise execution to leverage economic impacts projected at billions in tourism revenue and infrastructure upgrades. Preparations involve expanding the business team for sponsorships and venue coordination, with Lasry highlighting the region's diverse fanbase and connectivity via major airports and transit hubs.

Democratic Party Engagement Post-2022

Following his withdrawal from the Democratic primary for the U.S. in on July 27, 2022, Alex Lasry endorsed , the eventual nominee, and transferred $600,000 from his campaign account to the to bolster state-level efforts against Republican Sen. . In April 2023, the (DGA) appointed Lasry as co-treasurer, a volunteer position focused on and developing strategies to elect Democratic governors across the . Lasry emphasized the role of Democratic governors in safeguarding democratic institutions and advancing policy priorities such as and public safety. On June 11, 2023, Democratic Party activists elected Lasry as a representative to the (DNC), securing one of the state's at-large seats to influence national party platforming, rules, and candidate support. In this capacity, Lasry has participated in DNC proceedings and fundraising initiatives, drawing on his prior experience as a senior vice president with the and his family's business network to aid Democratic organizational goals. Lasry's post-2022 activities reflect a shift toward behind-the-scenes party infrastructure building rather than personal candidacy, with reported emphasis on electing Democrats at state and national levels amid competitive midterm and presidential cycles. No public records indicate formal roles in the 2024 presidential campaign, though his DNC position enabled input on convention and platform matters.

Political Positions and Views

Stances on Key Issues

Lasry advocated raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, incentivizing businesses to offer higher pay, and repatriating manufacturing jobs to through policies like the PRO Act, which would strengthen union protections and rights. He proposed repealing the 2017 Trump tax cuts to fund investments in , job , and , arguing this would mitigate by addressing issues and boosting domestic production. On , he supported rebuilding roads, bridges, expanding access, and ensuring clean statewide. In healthcare, Lasry endorsed a public option to complement the , expanding Medicare to cover vision, hearing, and dental services, and reducing prescription drug prices through negotiation and import allowances. Regarding reproductive rights, he pledged to codify into federal law, emphasizing personal autonomy over reproductive health decisions and opposing interference by politicians or courts. On , Lasry supported banning assault weapons, implementing universal background checks, and increasing investments in , services, , and community programs, while clarifying that these measures targeted criminals rather than law-abiding gun owners. For , he called for modernizing federal protections, combating through the Build Back Better framework, maintaining public lands in government hands, and pursuing clean energy transitions that prioritize job creation and equity without pitting economic growth against conservation. Lasry also favored abolishing the Senate filibuster to pass voting rights legislation like the , ending , and addressing racial and alongside rural . These positions aligned with mainstream Democratic priorities during his 2022 campaign, drawing from his experience in public-private partnerships like the ' arena project.

Alignment with Democratic Priorities

Alex Lasry expressed support for raising the federal to $15 per hour, a policy he implemented at the arena owned by the and framed as essential for working families' economic security. He advocated pro-union measures, including a "Workers' " to guarantee fair hours, safe conditions, and humane treatment, while emphasizing unions' role in elevating wages and protections. Lasry proposed renewing tax deductions eliminated under the 2017 , such as those for union dues, home offices, and contract workers, to benefit labor and reverse aspects of the Republican-led reform. On healthcare, Lasry described it as a human right and supported adding a public option to the to expand access without fully supplanting private insurance. He backed reproductive rights, pledging to ensure access to abortion services amid Democratic priorities to codify protections post-Roe v. Wade challenges. Economically, Lasry endorsed extending the , implementing paid family and medical leave, and providing affordable childcare to alleviate family burdens, aligning with party efforts to bolster social safety nets. Lasry's economic blueprint included free tuition for the first two years of or technical school, incentives, and the Made in America Act to prioritize U.S. in federal projects, reflecting Democratic focuses on , workforce development, and domestic industry. He called for eliminating the Senate to advance voting rights and other reforms, positioning himself against institutional barriers to progressive legislation. These stances, released during his 2022 campaign, mirrored core Democratic platforms on worker empowerment, social welfare, and institutional change, though his self-funding and business background drew scrutiny from some party activists questioning authenticity.

Controversies and Criticisms

Labor and Wage Disputes at Bucks

In the lead-up to the 2018 opening of , the faced protests from service and hospitality workers demanding higher wages, organized under the "Fight for $15" campaign by the (SEIU). Workers, including janitors and event staff, highlighted initial wage offers below living standards, prompting rallies outside the arena site. In response, the Bucks and Deer District LLC agreed to a phased increase: $12 per hour starting in 2019, escalating to $15 by 2023, as part of broader community benefit agreements emphasizing union access and job stability for low-wage roles. Separate tensions arose with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), whose members sought wages aligning with regional standards of approximately $20 per hour plus benefits for stagehands at events. The Bucks initially proposed rates 20-30% below market, leading to negotiations and public pressure in September 2018, though specific resolutions remained tied to union contracts rather than public Bucks announcements. By January 2020, following intensified organizing by the Milwaukee Area Service and Hospitality Workers Organization (), an affiliate of SEIU, the Bucks accelerated the timeline through a landmark tentative agreement with Deer District LLC and concession operator . This set a $15 per hour immediately for covered arena workers, with scheduled raises and benefits improvements hailed by the union as "industry-leading." Alex Lasry, then senior vice president of business operations for the Bucks, was involved in oversight of arena labor matters as part of the ownership group's executive team. These disputes resurfaced during Lasry's 2022 U.S. Senate campaign, when opponents accused him of overstating the Bucks' wage commitments. Campaign materials initially implied Fiserv Forum workers had received $15 per hour since the 2018 opening, but the figure applied only from 2020 onward, prompting a website clarification and criticism for misleading voters on the timeline of reforms achieved under pressure from organized labor. Subsequent union contracts, including 2024 renewals, provided 13-22% initial raises for guards, janitors, and events staff, building on the 2020 framework without reported strikes but underscoring ongoing emphasis on wage equity in arena operations.

Nepotism and Family Wealth Allegations

Alex Lasry, son of billionaire hedge fund manager —who co-owned the from 2014 to 2023 and held a estimated at $1.6 billion as of 2023—has faced criticisms that his professional and political opportunities stem primarily from family connections rather than independent merit. , a major Democratic donor, facilitated Alex's entry into key roles, including an in the secured through his father's ties to the party. Similarly, Alex joined post-college, a position commentators have attributed to familial influence in finance circles. In 2014, following his father's purchase of the Bucks, Alex relocated from the East Coast to to assume the role of senior vice president for the team, a move critics described as emblematic of given the direct ownership link. Local commentary highlighted this pattern, arguing that "there is nothing in Alex’s resume to suggest that he’s accomplished anything at all on his own" and portraying his career as propped up by parental resources. During the 2022 U.S. campaign in , opponents from both parties targeted Lasry's elite background, with Republican ads and Democratic primary rivals like emphasizing his status as a "billionaire’s son trying to buy a Senate seat." Lasry largely self-funded his bid, loaning the campaign millions from personal and family resources, which fueled claims that his "sole claim to high office is his dad’s money." These allegations extended to broader critiques of dynastic privilege in Democratic , with observers noting Lasry's limited prior —despite his Bucks tenure involving community initiatives—and his East Coast upbringing as evidence of detachment from voters. Marc Lasry's role in advocating for taxpayer-funded Bucks arena subsidies in further drew scrutiny, with detractors accusing the family of leveraging wealth for public benefits while Alex positioned himself as a results-oriented outsider. Lasry countered such narratives by citing his and the team's successes under his involvement, though critics maintained that inherited advantages overshadowed personal achievements.

Campaign Misrepresentations and Elite Status Critiques

During his 2022 U.S. Senate campaign in Wisconsin, Alex Lasry, son of billionaire hedge fund manager Marc Lasry and co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, faced widespread criticism for embodying elite detachment from working-class voters. Opponents from both parties and local commentators argued that his privileged background—bolstered by family wealth estimated in the billions—rendered him unqualified and insensitive to the economic struggles of average Wisconsinites, with one analysis noting he had "accomplished nothing at all on his own" beyond leveraging paternal connections for roles at Goldman Sachs and in the Obama White House. Democratic rival Tom Nelson directly challenged Lasry's New York roots and vast personal resources during a July 7, 2022 forum, portraying him as emblematic of coastal wealth disconnected from state realities. Such views were amplified after Lasry's early 2021 admission of surprise at Milwaukee's urban amenities like restaurants and arts scenes, which he had not anticipated despite prior residences in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.; his first Wisconsin visit occurred in 2008 for brief Hillary Clinton canvassing in Oshkosh, with relocation only in 2014 for the Bucks role. Lasry's self-funding of over $12.3 million in the campaign drew further scrutiny for underscoring his status, as he delayed mandatory financial disclosures until August 2022 via extensions, prompting accusations of evading transparency about his extensive assets amid claims of representing everyday families. Critics, including Republican Senator , highlighted incidents like Lasry's alleged use of connections to secure a ahead of frontline workers in early 2021, framing it as typical line-cutting by the affluent. Allegations of campaign misrepresentations centered on policy stances tied to his Bucks executive position. In June 2021, local reporting accused Lasry of misleading voters on advocacy, as he touted support for workers at (the Bucks' arena) despite ongoing disputes over part-time staff pay averaging below $15 per hour and union opposition to arena subsidies that burdened taxpayers. Rivals and ads portrayed this as inconsistent with his family's interests, while Republican trackers spotlighted unreported rental income from a condo—between $50,001 and $100,000 annually—contradicting his criticisms of landlord practices during Wisconsin's eviction debates. These critiques contributed to Lasry's third-place polling and withdrawal on July 27, 2022, before the August 9 Democratic primary.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Alex Lasry is the son of , a Moroccan-born hedge fund manager who co-founded and co-owns the , and Cathy Lasry, who served on the board of the family's private school. He has four siblings: Sophie, Emma, Zach, and Samantha. Lasry married Lauren Markowitz in 2020, after their planned wedding on at the in was postponed due to the ; the ceremony occurred later that year at Sea Island Resort in Georgia. Lasry works as at of . The couple has two daughters, and . In December 2021, Alex and Lasry purchased a historic twelve-room mansion exceeding 5,600 square feet on Milwaukee's east side, with five bedrooms and five bathrooms.

Residences and Lifestyle

Alex Lasry and his wife, , purchased the Jessie and John F. Kern House, a historic 1899 mansion located at 2569 N. Wahl Avenue in Milwaukee's Northpoint neighborhood on the city's east side, for $1.5 million in December 2021; state records indicate this as their primary residence. The property, situated just west of Bradford Beach and near , features architectural details from its era, including majestic interiors noted in local historical accounts. Prior to this acquisition, Lasry owned a riverfront on Milwaukee's Water Street, purchased around 2016 for approximately $1 million and sold in October 2022 for $1.57 million. He relocated to from New York in 2016 to take on executive roles with the , though property records show he continued receiving nearly $24,000 in New York homestead tax exemptions for a there after the move, raising questions about the consistency of his residency claims in . Lasry maintains a family-oriented lifestyle in with his wife and daughter, residing in the east side mansion that positions him close to urban amenities and the Bucks' operations. His daily life integrates professional commitments in sports management and community involvement, reflecting a transition from New York roots to rooted engagement in Wisconsin's civic and athletic scenes, though critics have scrutinized his long-term ties to the state amid dual-state tax benefits.

References

  1. https://ballotpedia.org/Alex_Lasry
  2. https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/investigations/daniel-bice/2021/08/13/us-senate-candidate-alex-lasry-is-bucks-vice-president-dad-is-marc-lasry-worked-in-obama-white-house/5459367001/
  3. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/author/alexander-lasry
  4. https://www.trade.gov/feature-article/alex-lasry-joins-ita-deputy-assistant-secretary-travel-and-tourism
  5. https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2025/02/11/ex-bucks-exec-alex-lasry-lead-host-group-for-2026-fifa-world-cup/78395610007/
  6. https://www.facebook.com/AlexLasryWI/
  7. https://democraticgovernors.org/updates/dga-announces-alex-lasry-will-serve-as-co-treasurer/
  8. https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/34302421/milwaukee-bucks-executive-alex-lasry-plans-drop-wisconsin-us-senate-race/1000
  9. https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3293317/meet-billionaire-marc-lasry-moroccan-born-hedge-fund-titan-and-milwaukee-bucks-co-owner-went-rags
  10. https://www.midamericaedc.org/media/userfiles/subsite_134/files/Lasry%252C%2520Alex%2520Bio.pdf
  11. http://www.jewishchronicle.org/2014/10/31/new-bucks-owner-has-distinctive-jewish-story/
  12. https://www.forbes.com/profile/marc-lasry/
  13. https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2021/02/61561/alex-lasry-son-of-jewish-moroccan-billionaire-runs-for-us-senate/
  14. https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/print-edition/2016/02/19/alex-lasry.html
  15. https://www.wispolitics.com/2021/lasry-campaign-announces-campaign-for-the-united-states-senate/
  16. https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderlasry
  17. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/momentum-management-milwaukee-alex-lasry/id1724653768?i=1000700315750
  18. https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/208219/alex-lasry
  19. https://biztimes.com/community-leader-of-the-year-alex-lasry/
  20. https://www.jsonline.com/story/opinion/2023/04/19/co-owners-of-milwaukee-bucks-thank-community-for-support-of-team-city/70126466007/
  21. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30916789/milwaukee-bucks-executive-alex-lasry-announces-2022-senate-run
  22. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/28/sports/basketball/its-a-long-leap-from-sports-team-owner-to-us-senator.html
  23. https://apnews.com/milwaukee-bucks-executive-alex-lasry-announces-senate-run-88f21a0da488a8570139bbd9c5cfda7b
  24. https://www.milwaukeemag.com/whats-next-for-milwaukee-politico-alex-lasry/
  25. https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2023/02/27/bucks-2nd-most-valuable-team-in-nba-following-lasrys-sale/
  26. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12664472/inside-look-milwaukee-bucks-logo-redesign
  27. https://www.nba.com/bucks/release/bucks-unveil-new-visual-identity
  28. https://abc7.com/post/bucks-unveil-logos-that-draw-on-regions-history/657064/
  29. https://www.nba.com/bucks/news/milwaukee-bucks-established-emergency-relief-fund-assist-part-time-employees
  30. https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2020/04/10/milwaukee-bucks-giannis-antetokounmpo-khris-middleton-pay-part-time-fiserv-forum-arena-workers-april/5133064002/
  31. https://www.yahoo.com/news/candidate-profile-alex-lasry-u-165355570.html
  32. https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2022/05/09/murphys-law-bucks-subsidy-an-issue-in-us-senate-race/
  33. https://www.anti-knowledge.com/p/a-publicly-funded-arena-plan-that
  34. https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/real-estate/commercial/2023/08/31/heres-4-things-to-know-about-fiserv-forum-which-debuted-5-years-ago/70668459007/
  35. https://www.nba.com/bucks/news/fiserv-forum-new-home-milwaukee-bucks
  36. https://www.fox6now.com/news/milwaukee-bucks-wisconsin-center-district-finalize-30-year-lease-for-new-arena
  37. https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccCouncil/2015-PDF/Bauman_Newsletter_Summer_2015_WEB.pdf
  38. https://www.wpr.org/economy/bucks-shoot-another-title-democratic-senate-candidate-criticizes-government-subsidy-fiserv
  39. https://www.sportspro.com/news/milwaukee-bucks-arena-naming-rights-deal-fiserv/
  40. https://wisconsinexaminer.com/2022/05/03/lasrys-3-point-shot-running-for-senate-as-someone-who-can-get-things-done/
  41. https://www.wpr.org/politics/once-competitive-race-wisconsins-democratic-u-s-senate-primary-all-decided
  42. https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/bucks-executive-lasry-announces-bid-johnsons-senate-seat
  43. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/27/us/politics/alex-lasry-senate-wisconsin.html
  44. https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/07/27/alex-lasry-dropping-out-democratic-u-s-senate-race-sources-say/10161418002/
  45. https://www.statesmanjournal.com/elections/results/race/2022-08-09-senate-D-WI-50909/
  46. https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/S2WI00342/
  47. https://www.wispolitics.com/2021/more-than-a-third-of-lasrys-1-1m-fundraising-haul-from-out-of-state-donors/
  48. https://www.wispolitics.com/2022/lasry-campaign-reports-3-9-million-in-1st-quarter/
  49. https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2022/05/03/how-alex-lasry-rose-in-the-polls/
  50. https://www.wpr.org/politics/alex-lasry-drops-out-race-us-senate-endorses-barnes
  51. https://www.politico.com/news/2022/07/27/alex-lasry-dropping-out-of-wisconsin-senate-race-to-unseat-ron-johnson-00048186
  52. https://www.marquette.edu/news-center/2022/new-marquette-law-poll-survey-finds-lose-races-in-senate-and-governor-primaries.php
  53. https://www.swtimes.com/elections/results/race/2022-08-09-senate-D-WI-50909/
  54. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/2022-wisconsin-primary-election-results
  55. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/08/09/us/elections/results-wisconsin-us-senate.html
  56. https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/09/ron-johnson-mandela-barnes-wisconsin-senate-race-results-2022-00064770
  57. https://nynjfwc26.com/press-releases/fifa-2026-ny-nj-host-team-expands/
  58. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fifa-world-cup-2026-new-york-new-jersey-host-committee-bolsters-leadership-team-as-preparations-to-host-worlds-biggest-sporting-event-continue-302373004.html
  59. https://milwaukeerotary.com/event/alex-lasry--fifa-world-cup-26-nynj-host-committee
  60. https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2025/06/08/a-once-in-a-generation-opportunity-ny-nj-host-committee-ceo-lasry-knows-much-is-at-stake-at-next-years-world-cup/
  61. https://njbiz.com/what-goes-into-world-cup-prep-new-host-committee-ceo-offers-glimpse/
  62. https://www.socceramerica.com/world-cup-in-nynj-071825_partial/
  63. https://nynjfwc26.com/press-releases/ny-nj-2026-world-cup-fan-village/
  64. https://www.linkedin.com/company/fwc26nynj
  65. https://foxsportsradionewjersey.com/2025/07/09/excitement-building-for-2026-world-cup-in-new-jersey/
  66. https://njbiz.com/nynj-world-cup-host-committee-business-team/
  67. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWkE6sFBkeg
  68. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2022-election/democrat-dropped-wisconsin-senate-race-giving-party-600000-surprise-gi-rcna40407
  69. https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/meetthepressblog/wisconsins-lasry-take-role-electing-democratic-governors-rcna78613
  70. https://www.wispolitics.com/2023/activists-elect-lasry-to-dnc-post/
  71. https://pbswisconsin.org/news-item/meet-wisconsin-2022-u-s-senate-candidate-alex-lasry/
  72. https://www.ontheissues.org/Social/Alex_Lasry_Abortion.htm
  73. https://www.ontheissues.org/domestic/Alex_Lasry_Environment.htm
  74. https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/02/02/alex-lasry-releases-pro-union-blueprint-raise-wages/9306046002/
  75. https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/592398-milwaukee-bucks-exec-turned-democratic-senate-candidate-releases-economic/
  76. https://www.ontheissues.org/2022_WI_Senate.htm
  77. https://www.tmj4.com/news/political/elections-local/democratic-senate-candidate-alex-lasry-releases-democracy-plan
  78. https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2018/08/30/fight-15-campaign-continues-milwaukee/1148295002/
  79. https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2021/06/08/murphys-law-lasry-misleads-voters-on-minimum-wage/
  80. https://www.route-fifty.com/workforce/2024/03/milwaukee-bucks-deer-district-community-benefit-deal-seen-model-more-development/395265/
  81. https://biztimes.com/stagehands-union-pushes-for-higher-wages-at-fiserv-forum/
  82. https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2020/01/29/eyes-on-milwaukee-fiserv-forum-workers-to-get-15-hour/
  83. https://www.nba.com/bucks/fiserv-forum-and-milwaukee-area-service-and-hospitality-workers-organization-come-landmark-tentative
  84. https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2021/06/10/senate-race-lasry-campaign-clarifies-15-wage-claim-fiserv-forum/7641938002/
  85. https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2024/04/24/murphys-law-milwaukee-becoming-more-unionized/
  86. https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2021/02/28/op-ed-not-another-rich-guy-for-senator/
  87. https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/alex-lasry-a-wealthy-democrat-is-targeted-by-both-parties-in-wisconsin-senate-race-11614528000
  88. https://theintercept.com/2021/02/21/alex-lasry-wisconsin-senate-milwaukee/
  89. https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/07/07/tom-nelson-jabs-alex-lasry-wealth-wisconsin-democratic-u-s-senate-forum/7828834001/
  90. https://www.politifact.com/personalities/alex-lasry/
  91. https://isthmus.com/opinion/citizen-dave/dog-eats-lasrys-homework/
  92. https://www.wispolitics.com/2021/nrsc-hypocrite-landlord-alex-lasry/
  93. https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2020/03/20/wisconsin-coronavirus-how-weddings-change-pandemic/5058106002/
  94. https://www.facebook.com/primpandsparty/posts/congratulations-to-alex-lauren-the-lasry-wedding-will-be-the-talk-of-the-island-/2780719418923505/
  95. https://x.com/alexlasrywi?lang=en
  96. https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2021/12/23/alex-and-lauren-lasry-buy-historic-mansion-milwaukees-east-side/9005913002/
  97. https://biztimes.com/alex-lasry-buys-kern-mansion-on-milwaukees-east-side-for-1-5-million/
  98. https://onmilwaukee.com/articles/kern-mansion-urban-spelunking
  99. https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2016/08/03/house-confidential-alex-lasrys-1-million-waterfront-condo/
  100. https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2022/10/17/alex-lasry-sells-water-street-condo.html
  101. https://spectrumnews1.com/wi/milwaukee/politics/2021/08/27/wi-senate-hopeful-lasry-got-property-tax-breaks-in-2-states
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.