City council elections in New York, New York, 2025 (June 24 Democratic primaries)

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2023
2025 New York elections
Ballotpedia Election Coverage Badge.png
Election dates
Filing deadline: January 14, 2025 (special)
February 18, 2025 (special)
April 3, 2025
Primary election: June 24, 2025
General election: March 25, 2025 (special)
April 29, 2025 (special)
November 4, 2025
Election stats
Offices up: City council
Total seats up: 51 (click here for mayoral elections)
Other municipal elections
U.S. municipal elections, 2025

One hundred candidates ran in 28 Democratic primaries for New York City Council on June 24, 2025. Ballotpedia identified 13 of those races as battlegrounds based on media coverage. Click here to read more about the battleground primaries, including their results and a brief description of each race.

The Council is the city's legislative body. It is responsible for adopting the city budget, passing legislation, monitoring city agencies, and overseeing land development.[1]

Ten races were undecided after the first round of voting, including nine Ballotpedia identified as battlegrounds. Because New York City calculates ranked-choice voting totals a week after the election, the results of those races were calculated on July 1, 2025.[2] No candidates who led on election night were defeated after RCV tabulations, and no incumbents were defeated in any race.[3]

Term limits and open seats, redistricting, and satellite spending were key factors in the 2025 Democratic primaries for New York City Council.

City & State New York's Sahalie Donaldson, Annie McDonough, and Holly Pretsky wrote, "All 51 seats in the New York City Council are on the ballot this year. Due to term limits and vacancies, 10 of them are wide open. And multiple sitting members who aren’t term-limited are facing serious challenges. In deep blue New York City, there aren’t many swing districts, so most – but not all – of the action will happen in the Democratic primaries."[4]

Other races were expected to be competitive because of redistricting. District 38, for example, was redrawn after incumbent Alexa Aviles (D) first won the seat in 2021 to include two Brooklyn neighborhoods that voted for President Donald Trump (R) in 2024.[4] According to Pretsky, Aviles faced "a serious primary challenge" in Ling Ye (D): "Ye is running toward the center, saying Avilés’ left-wing ideology has gotten in the way of her ability to advocate for her constituents."[4]

Several satellite groups also got involved. The City's Rachel Kahn, Lizzie Walsh, and Marina Samuel wrote after the elections, "In a year where outside special interest groups spent millions in an attempt to influence the outcomes of City Council races, most big spenders’ bets paid off: Many recipients of Airbnb’s dollars, like Bronx candidates Encarnacion, Justin Sanchez and Eric Dinowitz and Shekar Krishnan in Queens have won their respective races. Uber’s PAC spending paid off for candidates like Mercedes Narcisse in Brooklyn, and Carmen De La Rosa and Julie Menin of Manhattan."[5]

A super PAC associated with housing development nonprofit Open New York said they planned to spend at least $500,000 on the 2025 city council races.[6] According to The City's Jonathan Custodio, Airbnb-affiliated super PAC Affordable New York spent almost $700,000 on council races in the Bronx as of June 3.[7] According to The City's Claudia Irizarry Aponte, Uber NY PAC had spent $1.3 million on New York city council races as of May 29, and DoorDash-affiliated Local Economies Forward NY said it planned to spend up to $2 million.[8] Irizarry Aponte wrote, "The tech platforms’ spending blitz follows a first-in-the-nation minimum pay rate for food delivery workers, based on the Council’s similar scheme for ride-hail drivers. Those laws have withstood legal challenges from both companies, emboldening Council members to try for more."[8] Solidarity PAC, which said it "focuses on candidates and efforts who support the best interests of New York’s Jewish community," supported seven Democratic city council candidates.[9]

Heading into the elections, Democrats had a 45-6 majority on the Council. New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) was elected in 2021 as a Democrat and ran for re-election as an independent.

Click here to read more about battleground Democratic primaries for New York City Council in 2025. For information about the November 4, 2025, general election, click here.

Elections

Click on the tabs below to show more information about those topics.

Candidates and results

Offices up for election in 2025:

City council

General election

New York City Council general election, 2025

  • Incumbents are marked with an (i) after their name.
  • Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Office Democratic Party Democratic Republican Party Republican Other
District 1

Green check mark transparent.pngChristopher Marte (i)

Helen Qiu

Green check mark transparent.pngChristopher Marte (i) (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)
Helen Qiu (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

District 2

Green check mark transparent.pngHarvey Epstein

Jason Murillo  Candidate Connection

Green check mark transparent.pngHarvey Epstein (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)
Jason Murillo (Republican Party, Conservative Party)  Candidate Connection
Gail Schargel (CleanSafeStreet Party)
Allie Ryan (Unity Party)  Candidate Connection

District 3

Green check mark transparent.pngErik Bottcher (i)

Dominick Romeo (A Blue Collar Party, Fight and Deliver Party)

District 4

Green check mark transparent.pngVirginia Maloney

Debra Schwartzben

Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side Party)  Candidate Connection

Did not make the ballot:
Vanessa Aronson  (Working Families Party) Candidate Connection

District 5

Green check mark transparent.pngJulie Menin (i)

Alina Bonsell

District 6

Green check mark transparent.pngGale Brewer (i)

Green check mark transparent.pngGale Brewer (i) (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)

District 7

Green check mark transparent.pngShaun Abreu (i)

Manual Williams

Green check mark transparent.pngShaun Abreu (i) (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)
Edafe Okporo (West Side United Party)  Candidate Connection

District 8

Green check mark transparent.pngElsie Encarnacion

Tyreek Goodman

Green check mark transparent.pngElsie Encarnacion (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)
Tyreek Goodman (Republican Party, Conservative Party)
Federico Colon (Unity Party)  Candidate Connection

District 9

Green check mark transparent.pngYusef Salaam (i)

District 10

Green check mark transparent.pngCarmen N. De La Rosa (i)

Louisa Flores

Green check mark transparent.pngCarmen N. De La Rosa (i) (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)
Francesca Castellanos (Unity Party)

District 11

Green check mark transparent.pngEric Dinowitz (i)

Stylo A. Sapaskis

Denise Smith (Conservative Party)

District 12

Green check mark transparent.pngKevin Riley (i)

Franchie Muniz Sr.

James Washington-Ward (Conservative Party, United Alliance Party)

District 13

Green check mark transparent.pngShirley Aldebol  Candidate Connection

Kristy Marmorato (i)

Kristy Marmorato (i) (Republican Party, Conservative Party)
Green check mark transparent.pngShirley Aldebol (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)  Candidate Connection
Joel Rivera (Unity Party)

District 14

Green check mark transparent.pngPierina Sanchez (i)

Green check mark transparent.pngPierina Sanchez (i) (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)

District 15

Green check mark transparent.pngOswald Feliz (i)

Aramis Ocasio

Gary Lutz (Conservative Party)

District 16

Green check mark transparent.pngAlthea Stevens (i)

Emmanuel Findlay Jr.

Green check mark transparent.pngAlthea Stevens (i) (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)
Emmanuel Findlay Jr. (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

District 17

Green check mark transparent.pngJustin Sanchez

Rosaline Nieves

Green check mark transparent.pngJustin Sanchez (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)
Marisol Duran (Conservative Party)

Did not make the ballot:
Antirson Ortiz  (Working Families Party) Candidate Connection

District 18

Green check mark transparent.pngAmanda Farías (i)

Shuvonkar Saha

Green check mark transparent.pngAmanda Farías (i) (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)
Zenobia Merced-Bonilla (Conservative Party)
Wilfredo Hierrezuelo (United Alliance Party)  Candidate Connection

District 19

Benjamin Chou  Candidate Connection

Green check mark transparent.pngVickie Paladino (i)

Green check mark transparent.pngVickie Paladino (i) (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

Did not make the ballot:
Alexander Caruso  (Working Families Party) Candidate Connection

District 20

Green check mark transparent.pngSandra Ung (i)

Joseph Chou (Asians United Party, F.A.F.O. Party)
Allen Wang (Conservative Party)
Steven Wang (Patriot Party)

District 21

Green check mark transparent.pngShanel Thomas-Henry  Candidate Connection

Giovanni Franco

Green check mark transparent.pngShanel Thomas-Henry (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)  Candidate Connection
Giovanni Franco (Republican Party, United Alliance Party)

Did not make the ballot:
Erycka Montoya  (Working Families Party) Candidate Connection

District 22

Green check mark transparent.pngTiffany Cabán (i)

Green check mark transparent.pngTiffany Cabán (i) (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)

District 23

Green check mark transparent.pngLinda Lee (i)

Bernard Chow (Conservative Party)

District 24

Green check mark transparent.pngJames Gennaro (i)

District 25

Green check mark transparent.pngShekar Krishnan (i)

Ramses Frias

Green check mark transparent.pngShekar Krishnan (i) (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)
Ramses Frias (Republican Party, Conservative Party)
Shah Haque (Asians United Party)
Ricardo Pacheco (Safe&Affordable Party, Stop The Casino Party)

District 26

Green check mark transparent.pngJulie Won (i)

John Healy

John Healy (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

District 27

Green check mark transparent.pngNantasha Williams (i)

District 28

Green check mark transparent.pngTyrell Hankerson

Green check mark transparent.pngTyrell Hankerson (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)

Did not make the ballot:
Latoya LeGrand  (Working Families Party) Candidate Connection

District 29

Green check mark transparent.pngLynn Schulman (i)

Jonathan Rinaldi

District 30

Green check mark transparent.pngPhil Wong

Alicia Vaichunas

Alicia Vaichunas (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

District 31

Green check mark transparent.pngSelvena Brooks-Powers (i)

District 32

Green check mark transparent.pngJoann Ariola (i)

Green check mark transparent.pngJoann Ariola (i) (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

District 33

Green check mark transparent.pngLincoln Restler (i)

Green check mark transparent.pngLincoln Restler (i) (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)

District 34

Green check mark transparent.pngJennifer Gutiérrez (i)

Green check mark transparent.pngJennifer Gutiérrez (i) (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)

District 35

Green check mark transparent.pngCrystal Hudson (i)

Green check mark transparent.pngCrystal Hudson (i) (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)
Benny Rosenberger (Conservative Party)  Candidate Connection
Hector Robertson (United Alliance Party)

District 36

Green check mark transparent.pngChi Osse (i)

District 37

Green check mark transparent.pngSandra Nurse (i)

Green check mark transparent.pngSandra Nurse (i) (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)

District 38

Green check mark transparent.pngAlexa Aviles (i)

Luis Quero

Green check mark transparent.pngAlexa Aviles (i) (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)
Luis Quero (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

District 39

Green check mark transparent.pngShahana Hanif (i)

Green check mark transparent.pngShahana Hanif (i) (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)
Brett Wynkoop (Conservative Party)
Matthew Morgan (Libertarian Party)  Candidate Connection
Nickie Kane (Voters First Party)

District 40

Green check mark transparent.pngRita Joseph (i)

Green check mark transparent.pngRita Joseph (i) (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)

District 41

Green check mark transparent.pngDarlene Mealy (i)

Yehuda Shaffer (United Alliance Party)  Candidate Connection

District 42

Green check mark transparent.pngChristopher Banks (i)

Davon Phillips (Freedom Party)

District 43

Green check mark transparent.pngSusan Zhuang (i)

Green check mark transparent.pngSusan Zhuang (i) (Democratic Party, Conservative Party)

District 44

Green check mark transparent.pngSimcha Felder (i)

Harold Tischler

Green check mark transparent.pngSimcha Felder (i) (Democratic Party, Conservative Party, Law & Order Party)
Harold Tischler (Republican Party, Trump MAGA Party)

District 45

Green check mark transparent.pngFarah Louis (i)

Elijah Diaz  Candidate Connection

Elijah Diaz (Republican Party, Conservative Party)  Candidate Connection
Hatem El-Gamasy (Safe&Affordable Party)  Candidate Connection

District 46

Green check mark transparent.pngMercedes Narcisse (i)

Athena Clarke  Candidate Connection

Dimple Willabus (Conservative Party)  Candidate Connection

District 47

Green check mark transparent.pngKayla Santosuosso

George Sarantopoulos  Candidate Connection

Green check mark transparent.pngKayla Santosuosso (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)
George Sarantopoulos (Republican Party, Conservative Party)  Candidate Connection

Did not make the ballot:
Dikran Barsamian  (Conservative Party)

District 48

Green check mark transparent.pngInna Vernikov (i)

Green check mark transparent.pngInna Vernikov (i) (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

District 49

Green check mark transparent.pngKamillah Hanks (i)

John Shea

Sarah Blas (Working Families Party, New North Shore Party)

District 50

Radhakrishna Mohan

Green check mark transparent.pngDavid Carr (i)

Green check mark transparent.pngDavid Carr (i) (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

District 51

Clifford Hagen

Green check mark transparent.pngFrank Morano (i)  Candidate Connection

Green check mark transparent.pngFrank Morano (i) (Republican Party, Conservative Party)  Candidate Connection
John Buthorn (Patriot Workers Party)  Candidate Connection


Primary

New York City Council primary, 2025

  • Incumbents are marked with an (i) after their name.
  • Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
  • * = The primary was canceled and the candidate advanced.
Office Democratic Party Democratic Republican Party Republican Other
District 1

Green check mark transparent.pngChristopher Marte (i)
Jess Coleman  Candidate Connection
Elizabeth Lewinsohn
Eric Yu  Candidate Connection

Green check mark transparent.pngHelen Qiu*

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngHelen Qiu*

Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngChristopher Marte* (i)
District 2

Sarah Batchu  Candidate Connection
Green check mark transparent.pngHarvey Epstein
Andrea Gordillo  Candidate Connection
Allie Ryan  Candidate Connection
Anthony Weiner  Candidate Connection

Green check mark transparent.pngJason Murillo*  Candidate Connection

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngJason Murillo*  Candidate Connection

Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngHarvey Epstein*
District 3

Green check mark transparent.pngErik Bottcher (i)
Jacqueline Lara

The Republican primary was canceled.


District 4

Vanessa Aronson  Candidate Connection
Faith Bondy
Lukas Florczak  Candidate Connection
Green check mark transparent.pngVirginia Maloney
Rachel Storch
Benjamin Wetzler  Candidate Connection

Green check mark transparent.pngDebra Schwartzben*

Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngVanessa Aronson*  Candidate Connection
District 5

Green check mark transparent.pngJulie Menin (i)
Collin Thompson

Green check mark transparent.pngAlina Bonsell*

District 6

Green check mark transparent.pngGale Brewer* (i)

The Republican primary was canceled.


Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngGale Brewer* (i)
District 7

Green check mark transparent.pngShaun Abreu (i)
Tiffany Khan
Edafe Okporo  Candidate Connection

Green check mark transparent.pngManual Williams*

Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngShaun Abreu* (i)
District 8

Clarisa Alayeto
Federico Colon  Candidate Connection
Rosa Diaz
Green check mark transparent.pngElsie Encarnacion
Wilfredo Lopez
Nicholas Reyes  Candidate Connection
Raymond Santana

Did not make the ballot:
Daniel Aulbach-Sidibe 

Green check mark transparent.pngTyreek Goodman*

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngTyreek Goodman*

Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngElsie Encarnacion*
District 9

Green check mark transparent.pngYusef Salaam* (i)

The Republican primary was canceled.


District 10

Green check mark transparent.pngCarmen N. De La Rosa (i)
Francesca Castellanos

Green check mark transparent.pngLouisa Flores*

Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngCarmen N. De La Rosa* (i)
District 11

Green check mark transparent.pngEric Dinowitz (i)
Danielle Herbert-Guggenheim

Green check mark transparent.pngStylo A. Sapaskis*

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngDenise Smith*
District 12

Green check mark transparent.pngKevin Riley (i)
Andy King

Green check mark transparent.pngFranchie Muniz Sr.*

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngJames Washington-Ward*
District 13

Green check mark transparent.pngShirley Aldebol  Candidate Connection
David Diaz
John Perez
Theona Reets-DuPont  Candidate Connection
Joel Rivera
Jacqueline Torres

Green check mark transparent.pngKristy Marmorato* (i)

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngKristy Marmorato* (i)

Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngShirley Aldebol*  Candidate Connection
District 14

Green check mark transparent.pngPierina Sanchez (i)
Fernando Cabrera
Bryan Hodge Vasquez  Candidate Connection

The Republican primary was canceled.


Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngPierina Sanchez* (i)
District 15

Green check mark transparent.pngOswald Feliz* (i)

Green check mark transparent.pngAramis Ocasio*

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngGary Lutz*
District 16

Green check mark transparent.pngAlthea Stevens (i)
Shakur Joseph  Candidate Connection

Green check mark transparent.pngEmmanuel Findlay Jr.*

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngEmmanuel Findlay Jr.*

Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngAlthea Stevens* (i)
District 17

Antirson Ortiz  Candidate Connection
Freddy Perez Jr.
Green check mark transparent.pngJustin Sanchez
Elvis Santana  Candidate Connection

Did not make the ballot:
Jasmine Uribe 

Green check mark transparent.pngRosaline Nieves*

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngMarisol Duran*

Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngAntirson Ortiz*  Candidate Connection
District 18

Green check mark transparent.pngAmanda Farías* (i)

Green check mark transparent.pngShuvonkar Saha*

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngZenobia Merced-Bonilla*

Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngAmanda Farías* (i)
District 19

Alexander Caruso  Candidate Connection
Green check mark transparent.pngBenjamin Chou  Candidate Connection

Green check mark transparent.pngVickie Paladino* (i)

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngVickie Paladino* (i)

Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngAlexander Caruso*  Candidate Connection
District 20

Green check mark transparent.pngSandra Ung* (i)

The Republican primary was canceled.


Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngAllen Wang*
District 21

David Aiken  Candidate Connection
Yanna Henriquez
Erycka Montoya  Candidate Connection
Green check mark transparent.pngShanel Thomas-Henry  Candidate Connection

Did not make the ballot:
Sandro Navarro 
Hiram Monserrate 

Green check mark transparent.pngGiovanni Franco*

Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngErycka Montoya*  Candidate Connection
District 22

Green check mark transparent.pngTiffany Cabán* (i)

The Republican primary was canceled.


Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngTiffany Cabán* (i)
District 23

Green check mark transparent.pngLinda Lee* (i)

The Republican primary was canceled.


Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngBernard Chow*
District 24

Green check mark transparent.pngJames Gennaro* (i)

The Republican primary was canceled.


District 25

Green check mark transparent.pngShekar Krishnan (i)
Ricardo Pacheco

Green check mark transparent.pngRamses Frias*

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngRamses Frias*

Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngShekar Krishnan* (i)
District 26

Green check mark transparent.pngJulie Won* (i)

Green check mark transparent.pngJohn Healy*

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngJohn Healy*
District 27

Green check mark transparent.pngNantasha Williams* (i)

Did not make the ballot:
Vera Daniels  Candidate Connection

The Republican primary was canceled.


District 28

Green check mark transparent.pngTyrell Hankerson
Romeo Hitlall
Latoya LeGrand  Candidate Connection
Japneet Singh
Ruben Wills

The Republican primary was canceled.


Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngLatoya LeGrand*  Candidate Connection
District 29

Green check mark transparent.pngLynn Schulman* (i)

Green check mark transparent.pngJonathan Rinaldi*

District 30

Paul Pogozelski  Candidate Connection
Dermot Smyth
Green check mark transparent.pngPhil Wong

Green check mark transparent.pngAlicia Vaichunas*

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngAlicia Vaichunas*
District 31

Green check mark transparent.pngSelvena Brooks-Powers* (i)

The Republican primary was canceled.


District 32

The Democratic primary was canceled.


Green check mark transparent.pngJoann Ariola* (i)

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngJoann Ariola* (i)
District 33

Green check mark transparent.pngLincoln Restler (i)
Sabrina Gates

The Republican primary was canceled.


Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngLincoln Restler* (i)
District 34

Green check mark transparent.pngJennifer Gutiérrez* (i)

The Republican primary was canceled.


Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngJennifer Gutiérrez* (i)
District 35

Green check mark transparent.pngCrystal Hudson (i)
Dion Ashman
Kenny Lever
Hector Robertson

The Republican primary was canceled.


Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngBenny Rosenberger*  Candidate Connection

Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngCrystal Hudson* (i)
District 36

Green check mark transparent.pngChi Osse (i)
Reginald Swiney

The Republican primary was canceled.


District 37

Green check mark transparent.pngSandra Nurse* (i)

The Republican primary was canceled.


Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngSandra Nurse* (i)
District 38

Green check mark transparent.pngAlexa Aviles (i)
Ling Ye

Green check mark transparent.pngLuis Quero*

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngLuis Quero*

Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngAlexa Aviles* (i)
District 39

Green check mark transparent.pngShahana Hanif (i)
Nickie Kane
Maya Kornberg

The Republican primary was canceled.


Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngBrett Wynkoop*

Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngShahana Hanif* (i)
District 40

Green check mark transparent.pngRita Joseph* (i)

The Republican primary was canceled.


Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngRita Joseph* (i)
District 41

Green check mark transparent.pngDarlene Mealy (i)
Dante Arnwine
Elijah Brown
Bianca Cunningham
Jamell Henderson
Clifton Hinton
Lawman Lynch  Candidate Connection
Jammel Thompson

The Republican primary was canceled.


District 42

Green check mark transparent.pngChristopher Banks* (i)

The Republican primary was canceled.


District 43

Green check mark transparent.pngSusan Zhuang* (i)

The Republican primary was canceled.


Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngSusan Zhuang* (i)
District 44

Green check mark transparent.pngSimcha Felder* (i)

Did not make the ballot:
Zahava Durchin  Candidate Connection

Green check mark transparent.pngHarold Tischler*

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngSimcha Felder* (i)
District 45

Green check mark transparent.pngFarah Louis* (i)

Green check mark transparent.pngElijah Diaz*  Candidate Connection

Did not make the ballot:
Hatem El-Gamasy  Candidate Connection

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngElijah Diaz*  Candidate Connection
District 46

Green check mark transparent.pngMercedes Narcisse (i)
Dimple Willabus  Candidate Connection

Green check mark transparent.pngAthena Clarke*  Candidate Connection

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngDimple Willabus*  Candidate Connection
District 47

Green check mark transparent.pngKayla Santosuosso
Fedir Usmanov

Dikran Barsamian
Green check mark transparent.pngGeorge Sarantopoulos  Candidate Connection

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngDikran Barsamian*

Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngKayla Santosuosso*
District 48

The Democratic primary was canceled.


Green check mark transparent.pngInna Vernikov (i)
Ari Kagan

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngInna Vernikov* (i)
District 49

Green check mark transparent.pngKamillah Hanks (i)
Sarah Blas
Telee Brown
Abou Diakhate

Green check mark transparent.pngJohn Shea*

Working Families Party

Green check mark transparent.pngSarah Blas*
District 50

Green check mark transparent.pngRadhakrishna Mohan*

Green check mark transparent.pngDavid Carr* (i)

Conservative Party

Green check mark transparent.pngDavid Carr* (i)
District 51

Green check mark transparent.pngClifford Hagen*

Green check mark transparent.pngFrank Morano (i)  Candidate Connection
John Buthorn  Candidate Connection
Griffin Fossella

Conservative Party

This primary was canceled.


Additional elections on the ballot

See also: New York elections, 2025

What's on your ballot?
Click here to find out!

March 25, 2025
April 29, 2025
May 20, 2025
June 24, 2025
November 4, 2025

Voting information

What was the voter registration deadline?

  • In-person: June 14, 2025
  • By mail: Received by June 14, 2025

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot request deadline?

  • In-person: June 23, 2025
  • By mail: Received by June 14, 2025
  • Online: June 14, 2025

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline?

  • In-person: June 24, 2025
  • By mail: Postmarked by June 24, 2025 / Received by July 1, 2025

Was early voting available to all voters? Yes

Were all voters required to present ID at the polls? No

When were polls open on Election Day? 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Battleground primaries

Ballotpedia identified the battleground elections below based on media coverage. Click on the tabs to view the candidates who ran, a brief description of the race, and Candidate Connection survey responses.

Of the 13 districts with battleground Democratic primaries, Republicans represented one and Democrats represented 12. Incumbents ran in five of these races, one was held by a Republican, and the other seven were in open districts, meaning no incumbents ran.

The map below highlights each battleground district colored based on the party affiliation of the incumbent.


Candidates and election results

Democratic primary election

Democratic Primary for New York City Council District 1

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Christopher Marte in round 5 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.


Total votes: 24,545
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.


Race information
Incumbent Christopher Marte (D) won 62% of the vote after five ranked choice rounds. He faced three Democratic challengers—Jess Coleman, Elizabeth Lewinsohn, and Eric Yu—all of whom were members of Community Board 1.[10]

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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The housing market is broken because we've made it nearly impossible to build. Too many politicians protect the status quo while working people get priced out. We need to legalize more housing—by removing exclusionary zoning, streamlining approvals, and allowing more density near transit. It also means expanding tenant protections and creating more social housing. The only way to fix the affordability crisis is to build—and to stop letting a loud minority block the homes we need.

Everyone has a right to feel safe in their neighborhood. That means fixing broken infrastructure, fully staffing the subway, investing in mental health response teams, and making sure help shows up when it’s needed. Public safety should be built on trust, prevention, and a city that takes care of the basics.

Our streets and sidewalks should belong to people—not just cars. That means building more pedestrian plazas, protecting bike lanes, expanding outdoor dining, and enforcing against illegal parking and placard abuse. Public space is a public good, and it’s time we started treating it that way.
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Eric Yu (D)

Our city’s prosperity depends on the efficient, affordable, and reliable movement of people and goods. That means investing in and optimizing surface, subterranean, marine, and aviation infrastructure. Whether it’s ensuring timely subway and bus service, improving freight delivery routes, or upgrading ferry terminals and airport connections, the goal is to increase transportation capacity. Congestion Pricing (CP) is a de facto mobility tax on residents and businesses, and is elitist because only the wealthy will be able to travel in comfort (and safety) and speed. CP has a negative impact to NYC's economy where this increases the cost of goods and services, and will deter people and businesses from Manhattan.

We must uphold our duty to “help thy neighbor,” when it comes to services for homeless individuals and those struggling with mental health or substance abuse. Compassion must be paired with accountability

• The demographics and address [existing NYC residents?] of those receiving services and the causes of homelessness; • Cost per person of provided services; and • The % of clients who ultimately transition to stable, independent living. Only with these data can we assess the effectiveness of these services. Propose legislation to require a 500-ft distance of any homeless shelter to a school (students under 18 years of age): the homeless shelter for 320 Pearl St (Peck Slip School) would be illegal, and would not happen to another school.

While reforms, especially external monitoring, of our criminal justice system are necessary, replacing Rikers Island with borough-based jails (BBJs) is not the solution. BBJs lack the capacity to meet future needs, and their proximity to densely populated neighborhoods raise public safety concerns, especially in the event of escapes or disturbances.

More importantly, new buildings do not solve the real problem – mismanagement within the Department of Corrections. What’s needed is not new locations, but leadership, transparency, and operational reform. Rikers Island offers the space and separation needed to house inmates securely while addressing long-standing issues in correctional policy and oversight.
Housing is the defining crisis of our time in New York City. It’s not just an issue—it’s the backdrop to nearly every other challenge we face. When people can’t afford to live here, communities fracture, small businesses disappear, and public services struggle to keep up. It’s also one of the main reasons people lose faith in government—because they see the problem getting worse year after year, while politicians either make excuses or avoid hard choices. I'm passionate about housing because fixing it is essential to restoring trust in the idea that cities can still work for regular people. If we don’t get this right, we’ll lose the soul of New York.
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Eric Yu (D)

My career has been with transportation planning. I am on Community Board 1’s Transport. & Street Activities Committee. I support having multiple means of transportation for NYC, where in case of emergencies or construction, NYC will always function. During inclement and severe weather, NYC must always have several viable transportation networks. There are existing bottlenecks to the movement of people and goods. Residents and businesses need low-cost, reliable and expedient options. The NYCDOT needs to ensure major projects, such as the BQE triple cantilever is started and completed, and to use its creativity to increase transportation capacity, and to focus on the efficient, equitable, and safe movement of people and goods.
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Eric Yu (D)

The NYC Council is not part of the state government, and therefore not part of the legal system; however, the NYC Council does make official recommendations to the NY State legislature and Governor through approved resolutions, and it does approve the budget for the NYPD, which is the law enforcement agency for NYC.
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Eric Yu (D)

A central tenet of my political ethos is to prevent “tyranny of the majority”, where I agree with the practice of majority rule in a democracy, but I also respect the innate rights of individuals in a society, and the government (used as an instrument by special interest groups – for private gain or personal satisfaction) must not be used to control and micro-manage of every facet of a person’s life, especially when it economically harms or diminishes the quality-of-life of others. Government, and its associated rules and regulations, and its tools of enforcement (aka police powers) are necessary for law and order, and a civil society.
Someone who shows up, listens with humility, and fights like hell for the people they represent. The job isn’t to play it safe—it’s to take risks on behalf of your community and never forget who you’re accountable to.
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Eric Yu (D)

An elected official, in this case a NYC Council member (CM), is more than “just a job”. An elected official makes an oath to swear to support and uphold the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of New York, and the Charter of the City of New York. This position must not be driven by money, but to serve the electorate, which sometimes may be unpopular. This is a difficult situation where an elected official must represent the overall preference for the electorate and/or what is in their best long-term interest. It is essential for an elected official to always represent the people and to get things done. This requires the elected official to suppress their ego to work with and for all people, and to compromise, to achieve the greater goal. This is required to build and retain relationships with other elected officials and their staff, agency staff, and other stakeholders and community representatives. Besides dedication to public service, fortitude, shrewdness, and an open-mind are required. It is essential to have a “conscious”, and to take into account the impact to people, as well as to respect the innate rights of citizens as individuals when establishing policy.
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Eric Yu (D)

A NYC Council member’s (CM) official role is a legislator (composes and passes laws), and a direct representative of a city council district. Within the role of representing the district, it is also to strive for the wellbeing for the entirety of NYC. It is a requirement to know what is happening in your district, and to know what is important to your constituents at all times, such as if there are quality-of-life and business activity concerns. In District #1, there is a homeless shelter being built next door to an elementary school (Peck Slip School). The incumbent CM needed to prevent this from happening. It was the responsibility of the CM to evaluate the comprehensive and long-term impact. The CM must always be proactive in being aware of potential negative impacts by being in discussions with the Mayor, other CMs, other elected officials, and community leaders, to find alternate solutions, including compromise, and to build and lead a coalition against it. This must be done behind the scenes and ultimately in public. The goal is to protect and further the interests of your district, especially on issues if there is a multiplier effect (externalities), where it has a greater impact beyond the initial review. For example, the new homeless shelter (in contract) for Peck Slip School has many negative facets. Beyond the threat to the safety to the children of the elementary school, which is the most concerning, there is a threat to safety of the thousands of residents who live within a few hundred feet. This area is also home to Pier 17, which is a tourist and entertainment venue. I heard of residents who have already transferred their children from Peck Slip School, and other parents who stated they would ultimately move from the neighborhood. Other residents will also move, and local businesses will also suffer financially.
To help Lower Manhattan live up to its full potential—and become a model for what progressive, urbanist policies can achieve. A neighborhood with abundant affordable housing, clean and walkable streets, vibrant public spaces, and a real sense of possibility for the people who live here.
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Eric Yu (D)

My first job was working at a McDonald’s, where I worked there for two months. I learned the value of money. I was not valued as an employee, and was cheated by the managers.

I worked at a busy McDonald’s which had 5-6 registers, and frequently with long lines of customers. I worked the registers, assembled orders, made drinks and made fries. It was a job where I was always standing. Sometimes I came home with burn marks on my arm from the fry cooker and hot oil. If had a 12pm-5pm or the 1pm-8pm shift, I experienced being sent home early (without pay) in case there were few customers. At the end of my shift after I collected over a thousand dollars, the manager would reconcile the cash with the receipts. The managers always wanted faster service: the managers would often assist with the tendering of cash while we fetched the food items.

A few times, when I was short $10-$15 dollars, the managers required me to pay the difference from my own pocket (unrecorded). This was wage theft. I was only making minimum wage at the time, and the managers also had their hands in the till. When I mentioned this to my stepfather, he was upset the managers were stealing money from me. He came to the McDonald’s the next day and told the managers that I would not pay out-of-pocket anymore. After he said that, I was only assigned to cleaning the bathroom, mopping the floors, cleaning tables and kitchen equipment, and taking out the garbage. I quit the job after a week. I was fortunate not to need the money to survive. I appreciate my stepfather standing up for me.
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Eric Yu (D)

Besides the legislative responsibilities of a NYC Council member (CM), the CM has the power to appoint half of the Community Board members in the district: the Borough President appoints the other half. The Community Board, which is an advisory-body, has official input with land-use, liquor and (now) cannabis applications. City agencies are legally required to notify Community Boards for pending changes in city services and approvals. They are the first step in community notification and to gauge community responses. I am a member of Community Board (CB) 1 – Manhattan (since 2021), and I have first-hand experience with the wealth of community knowledge, expertise in NYC government and effort put in by these neighborhood volunteers. The appointment of CB members is a privilege and an important responsibility: the CM must really know the people and community groups of their district. It is crucial to select people with diverse and relevant professional experience; these appointees must know, understand and care for the well-being for the district. It would also be valuable, if these appointees are part of other local community groups.
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Eric Yu (D)

It is beneficial for NYC Council members (CM) to have experience in government or politics; however, it must not be a requirement because I would not want to exclude other candidates with other experiences, which will provide a new prospective, as well as other expertise. A candidate’s cumulative, and specific experience and accomplishments must be evaluated.
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Eric Yu (D)

A NYC Council member (CM) must have excellent communication skills – to communicate effectively and persuasively with constituents (individually or within a group – including community boards), agency officials and staff, other elected officials, the media, other community stakeholders (e.g. business owners, non-profits, religious groups, etc.).

A CM must understand the structure of the government bureaucracies, i.e., the city agencies (including authorities and corporations), NYS agencies (including authorities and corporations) and federal agencies, which impact your district through laws and regulations, or are located in your district.

A CM must be able to negotiate with any of the aforementioned stakeholders for the benefit, especially in the long-term, for the district.
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Eric Yu (D)

A NYC Council member (CM) is the representative for the people of a district, versus borough-wide (or county) and city-wide elected positions. Unlike the federal or state governments, a locality – in this case NYC – provides the majority of government services for its residents; therefore, the CM is the people’s representative for their neighborhood in NYC government.
United Democratic Organization, Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, Stonewall Democrats, NYU College Democrats, New York City New Liberals, Open NY, Abundance New York
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Eric Yu (D)

TBD
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Eric Yu (D)

I am a proponent of both financial transparency and government accountability; they are both required for an informed democracy. I am a proponent of the Freedom of Information Law, where government records must be available for public review, in a timely manner, and with limited redactions for security and personal privacy. I am concerned by the recent prevalence of the request-for-proposal (RFP) procurement method, versus the lowest qualified bidder (LQB) procurement method.

Under the RFP method vendors are selected based on qualitative factors, which are inherently subjective and prone to political bias, and less price competition. The RFP process must only be used for technically complex projects and where innovation is required. Due to the complexity of the RFP process, the number of proposers (and therefore price competition) is reduced. The RFP process does not have detailed contract specifications. Without detailed contract specifications, the final product (as intended by the proposer) will not meet the actual needs of the user agency. For example, the Economic Development Corporation (through consultants) is managing the RFP for the Park Row Reconfiguration project, where the agency accepting it will be the NYCDOT and NYC Dept of Parks and Recreation: this creates different priorities where the managing agency wants to maintain the schedule and budget, but will not have to contend with the final product after the project is completed.

The LQB process ensures only the lowest qualified bidder is selected. This deters political graft because after a vendor has demonstrated technical competence (based on prior experience), the lowest bidder is awarded the contract.



Candidates and election results

Democratic primary election

Democratic Primary for New York City Council District 2

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Harvey Epstein in round 4 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.


Total votes: 30,257
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.


Race information
Harvey Epstein (D) defeated four other candidates, winning 57% of the vote after four ranked choice rounds. The seat was left open by term-limited Carlina Rivera (D).

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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The first message of my campaign is expanding accessible healthcare for all.

Health is the foundation of a thriving city. In our district and across New York City, we are seeing the systematic destruction of community-based hospitals—a trend I have fought against. I will expand access to affordable healthcare, mental health services, and preventive care through the public hospital system, and work to close healthcare inequities so no New Yorker fears financial ruin when seeking the care they need. I will push State and City officials to deliver a full-scale replacement hospital after the closure of Mount Sinai Beth Israel and defend retired City workers’ right to traditional Medicare.

The second key message of my campaign is increasing affordable housing and strengthening tenant protections.

Housing is a human right. I will fight to expand tenant protections, preserve affordable housing, and hold landlords accountable for harassment and neglect. This includes supporting state action to expand good cause eviction protections, pushing for a rent freeze for rent-stabilized tenants, and investing in deeply affordable housing options to ensure everyone has a place to call home.

The third key message of my campaign is creating reliable, safe, and accessible transit for all.

As a daily bus rider and cyclist, I know how critical reliable, efficient, and accessible transit is for New Yorkers. I will fight for expanded bus lanes, improved subway accessibility, and protected bike infrastructure—especially in transit deserts like the one I live in—so every New Yorker has affordable and safe ways to get around. By investing in public transit and pedestrian safety, we can create a more connected, sustainable, and equitable city.
Housing and Affordability

The rent is too damn high. If elected, I will fight for comprehensive solutions to ensure our housing stock is accessible, sustainable, and secure. That means building hundreds of thousands of deeply affordable units while prioritizing nonprofit, public, and community-led models.

As the Chair of CB3, I have vigorously advocated for increasing the supply of affordable housing, preserving existing affordable options like rent-stabilized units, and expanding Community Land Trusts in our district. Through coalition-building with community groups and elected officials, I’ve helped secure thousands of affordable and supportive housing units, and I am committed to continuing that work in the City Council.

Climate

We must act before climate disasters like extreme storms, floods, and heat displace families. In my role as Chair of my Community Board, I have consistently advocated for environmental improvements to our buildings, parks, waterfront, and air quality. Throughout every project I’ve worked on, I have pushed for robust community engagement and mitigation strategies to ensure the project equitably serves all residents.

As Councilmember, I’ll work to ensure we combat, adapt, and mitigate the climate crisis for all residents of District 2, especially our most vulnerable communities. Climate justice cannot wait – and as a Councilmember, I’ll serve with a focus on equity, resilience, and a vision for a greener, healthier future for all.

Public Safety

We all deserve to feel safe, whether in our homes, on our streets, or on the subway. Right now, too many New Yorkers don’t feel that way. As Chair of Community Board 3, I have already delivered results by convening task forces, keeping our parks and public spaces clean, and creating programs to keep our youth out of the criminal justice system.

Our system isn’t working, but together we can fix it. We need to reject the idea that we can either work on immediate solutions or address the underlying issues. Instead, we must take a holistic approach that does both, because when we invest in real community support and solutions that work, we build a safer, stronger, more compassionate, and more livable New York — for all of us.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

Jason is a student of the legal justice system, civil rights people's liberties & a defender of our Constitution who believes in protecting & upholding our born given right to freedom & that all men/women are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

I'm a former District Leader & Chair of my District with the Board of Elections & Community Youth Leader. I'm the Current Chairman of the Lower Manhattan Conservative Party.

As a person with disabilities myself & taking care of a child with special needs & caretaker of my elderly disabled mother i know better than most the need for supportive services and funding for these vital programs, medical providers, hospitals, rehab centers, doctors, nurses to support families & caretakers.

I am a longtime public advocate for people with disabilities & helping them get local, state & federal assistance & supportive services.

Jason knows the value of being connected to his neighborhood. That's why he's running for City Council in District 2 to give back to his Community & City which he loves so much & to proudly represent & serve where he's from & to make sure all people in his district are equally represented especially those of all minorities, families, small business owners, veterans, those living in public housing, our youth & the elderly.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

Public Safety

> Pass Priscilla's Law to register, license eBikes. > Remove needle exchanges and harm reduction services near playgrounds & dog runs. > Support police as they enforce the laws.

Affordability > Fix the dirty polluted water in NYCHA's Jacob Riis Housing. > Create subsidies for Small Property Owners to unwarehouse apartments > Fund afterschool extracurricular activities for teenagers.

The Environment: > Dedicate 1% of the City budget to parks. >Protect and preserve community gardens by zoning as Community Land Trusts. > Ban artificial grass in parks and green spaces > Introduce a bill that parks of 10 acres or larger must have a full-time dedicated on-site park manager and full-time dedicated on-site Union gardener > Evaluate empty lots of land above 14th Street to create a much needed park / playground.

> Repave the pathways in Tompkins Square Park, lower fencing so park goers can use more of the park and initiate a capital project to build a new bandshell AND fund music programing.
Fight to protect our City's place as the capital of the middle class and those struggling to make it.

Stand up to the Trump Administration in the face of the most strident anti-New York administration in history.

Return the Democratic Party to its rightful place as the party of real ideas and not just interest group slogans.
Beyond healthcare accessibility, affordable housing access, and reliable public transit, I am deeply passionate about A) community safety, B) climate justice, and C) education.
I’m passionate about reducing inequality. From an early age, I saw firsthand how opportunity isn’t distributed equally. I was one of the only girls of color in my public school, and the contrast in educational, housing, and health outcomes between my community and wealthier peers was stark.

My parents made enormous sacrifices to give me access to those opportunities. That shaped me—and it gave me a deep sense of responsibility. I carry that with me in everything I do.

Reducing inequality means building systems rooted in care and fairness. Resourced communities produce better, safer, and more prosperous outcomes for all and I will always fight for a city where no one’s future is determined by their zip code, income, or immigration status.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

Protecting & safeguarding Public Housing & NYCHA fighting for resident rights to affordable housing for all especially those of low income & hard working families, the disabled, homeless & veterans. Provide more assistance & funding for our local schools within our district so no child is left behind in the 21th century with all the tools to success into productive adults & future leaders of New York.
Protecting & safeguarding Public Housing & NYCHA fighting for resident rights to affordable housing for all especially those of low income & hard working families, the disabled, homeless & veterans. Provide more assistance & funding for our local schools within our district so no child is left behind in the 21th century with all the tools to success into productive adults & future leaders of New York.
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

Protecting & safeguarding Public Housing & NYCHA fighting for resident rights to affordable housing for all especially those of low income & hard working families, the disabled, homeless & veterans. Provide more assistance & funding for our local schools within our district so no child is left behind in the 21th century with all the tools to success into productive adults & future leaders of New York.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

Transportation, land use, environment, the arts, health care, parks and historic preservation.
Transportation, land use, environment, the arts, health care, parks and historic preservation.
Protection of our public spaces from disorder. Creative transformation of our healthcare system to create a local version of Medicare for All.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

Being apart of the City Council is a vital part of the operating and function of New York City & it's over 8,000,000 residents. We as City Council Members play a key part of the day to day operations of the city and our vital public services in which New Yorkers depend on a daily basis.
Being apart of the City Council is a vital part of the operating and function of New York City & it's over 8,000,000 residents. We as City Council Members play a key part of the day to day operations of the city and our vital public services in which New Yorkers depend on a daily basis.
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

Being apart of the City Council is a vital part of the operating and function of New York City & it's over 8,000,000 residents. We as City Council Members play a key part of the day to day operations of the city and our vital public services in which New Yorkers depend on a daily basis.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

I wrote this in 2021 and it is still true today. Over the past few years, I have witnessed the importance of strong leadership and accountability in a City Council member. In my opinion, having strong ties and communication with the community enables a Council Member to recognize their needs and stand up for constituents in the face of legislation and land use proceedings that many citizens are not even aware are taking place. City Council's role in land use decisions allows for more than enforcing the basics of the law, but also protecting the spirit and the will of the people who elected the representative. Aka, the people who live in the district. Not those who simply profit off of the district. Those who can employ lobbyists and fund astro-turf ( fake, well financed, not Grass Roots ) activists. In addition, when legislators regularly pass legislation that is not followed up with enforcement ( including pressure from the representative for local enforcement to occur, ) the legislation becomes meaningless. When people's resulting complaints fall on deaf ears, the representatives become equally meaningless.
I wrote this in 2021 and it is still true today. Over the past few years, I have witnessed the importance of strong leadership and accountability in a City Council member. In my opinion, having strong ties and communication with the community enables a Council Member to recognize their needs and stand up for constituents in the face of legislation and land use proceedings that many citizens are not even aware are taking place. City Council's role in land use decisions allows for more than enforcing the basics of the law, but also protecting the spirit and the will of the people who elected the representative. Aka, the people who live in the district. Not those who simply profit off of the district. Those who can employ lobbyists and fund astro-turf ( fake, well financed, not Grass Roots ) activists. In addition, when legislators regularly pass legislation that is not followed up with enforcement ( including pressure from the representative for local enforcement to occur, ) the legislation becomes meaningless. When people's resulting complaints fall on deaf ears, the representatives become equally meaningless.
It's city governance. Governing the city is a sui generis pursuit.
My parents are the two people I most look up to, and whose example I try to follow every day. The daughter of two physicians, I was raised in a family with a lifelong dedication to the betterment and wellbeing of the community. I was also raised to understand the importance and powerful impact of caring for others. From an early age, they taught me that service was not just a value but a way of life. I will bring this deeply-rooted commitment to public service with me to City Hall to serve District 2 with tenacity and humility.
My mother. Like so many immigrant women like her, she left everything she knew—her country, her language, her support system—for the chance to build something better for her children. She arrived in a place that didn’t always value her, and probably didn’t even have time to figure out who she was, because survival came first. She worked odd jobs. She has fears like anyone else, but she always showed me and acted with bravery—something I aspire to carry with me in everything I do.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

As i mentioned earlier People like Ronald Reagan, Martin Luther King to give back & serve our great people, city, state & country through public service, faith and being a decent human being god fearing public servant who puts country and god first always is something i aim to be at all times.
As i mentioned earlier People like Ronald Reagan, Martin Luther King to give back & serve our great people, city, state & country through public service, faith and being a decent human being god fearing public servant who puts country and god first always is something i aim to be at all times.
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

As i mentioned earlier People like Ronald Reagan, Martin Luther King to give back & serve our great people, city, state & country through public service, faith and being a decent human being god fearing public servant who puts country and god first always is something i aim to be at all times.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

I look up to my long term neighbors, especially those who have lived in our neighborhood the majority of their lives and have seen it evolve and change time and time again. Their stories and their creative endeavors of enduring passion and dedication to our community inspire me to contribute in a meaningful way. The Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space houses an amazing archive of videos, flyers, and written stories of residents standing up against injustice as they fought for their homes, neighbors, and public space. The "Mayor" of my block died recently due to a heart attack. He had lived on my block for 35 years and together with his wife, they raised their children here. After retiring from the Parks Dept., our Mayor worked as a super for a couple buildings on our block. He always greeted everyone with a smile and naturally looked out for everyone. When I decided to run for City Council, he helped me gather signatures for my petition to get on the ballot. I accepted his endorsement with a special sense of pride. I learned to value his insight on the issues facing our neighborhood and district and I will miss his pragmatic honesty based on real life experiences for solutions. I hope people will trust me as a representative as I follow our local Mayor in residence's example and lead by action to help people seize life's opportunities to make a difference.
I look up to my long term neighbors, especially those who have lived in our neighborhood the majority of their lives and have seen it evolve and change time and time again. Their stories and their creative endeavors of enduring passion and dedication to our community inspire me to contribute in a meaningful way. The Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space houses an amazing archive of videos, flyers, and written stories of residents standing up against injustice as they fought for their homes, neighbors, and public space. The "Mayor" of my block died recently due to a heart attack. He had lived on my block for 35 years and together with his wife, they raised their children here. After retiring from the Parks Dept., our Mayor worked as a super for a couple buildings on our block. He always greeted everyone with a smile and naturally looked out for everyone. When I decided to run for City Council, he helped me gather signatures for my petition to get on the ballot. I accepted his endorsement with a special sense of pride. I learned to value his insight on the issues facing our neighborhood and district and I will miss his pragmatic honesty based on real life experiences for solutions. I hope people will trust me as a representative as I follow our local Mayor in residence's example and lead by action to help people seize life's opportunities to make a difference.
Until he lost his mojo, I liked Ed Koch. His joy in embodying New York City was a thing to emulate.
A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn. It tells the story of America from the perspective of the people who’ve fought hardest to be seen—immigrants, workers, Indigenous and Black communities, women. It affirmed what I have always lived and experienced: that the true engine of change isn’t found in institutions, but in the courage and organizing of ordinary people demanding something better.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

Ronald Reagan who without question is one of greatest american success stories & greatest leaders and thinkers of our time & my role model. I hope to become half the man that he was. My Political philosophy echos that of President Reagan that we are a government of we the people & protectors of this democracy and the constitution and we most do everything in our power to protect it at all cost.
Ronald Reagan who without question is one of greatest american success stories & greatest leaders and thinkers of our time & my role model. I hope to become half the man that he was. My Political philosophy echos that of President Reagan that we are a government of we the people & protectors of this democracy and the constitution and we most do everything in our power to protect it at all cost.
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

Ronald Reagan who without question is one of greatest american success stories & greatest leaders and thinkers of our time & my role model. I hope to become half the man that he was. My Political philosophy echos that of President Reagan that we are a government of we the people & protectors of this democracy and the constitution and we most do everything in our power to protect it at all cost.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs. Even though Jane Jacobs wrote this book in the 1950s, it is as if she published it today.
The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs. Even though Jane Jacobs wrote this book in the 1950s, it is as if she published it today.
Go to the cspan website and look up instances when I took the floor.
I believe care must be the guiding principle for anyone in public office—care for our neighbors, our communities, and future generations. Government should be a vehicle for justice and equity, rooted in an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of working people, and our elected leaders must champion policies that meet the real needs of our communities. As Council Member, I will lead with care, ensuring it remains at the heart of every decision I make.
The same leaders are recycling through different positions and we’re dealing with the same problems. We need bold and fresh voices who are going to reject the status quo. I’m not a politician. For over a decade, I’ve been a community leader and activist serving Lower Manhattan, where I’ve worked directly with our communities, putting their needs first.

It’s also important for our elected officials to represent our communities. Our district has been led by Latina women for almost three decades. My community has urged me to continue this vital legacy, especially at this moment, when our government is persecuting immigrants and women.

From the Mayor’s office on down, voters are looking for change and bold voices. I am the only candidate who can continue our vital Latina legacy, while merging the need for change with a record of success here in our district. I am running for City Council because I am that fresh voice with real experience who knows how to bring community-driven leadership to City Hall.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

Leadership is a quality I have consistently demonstrated, often being entrusted to guide others in completing important missions. My approach ensures that those around me also thrive. My ultimate objective is to improve my beloved community & district of the Lower East Side, East Village, Alphabet City and of Lower Manhattan. I have accomplished so much with limited funds, staff, and resources. If provided with the necessary support, I believe the work I am doing can be replicated on a larger scale and amplified across more regions.
Leadership is a quality I have consistently demonstrated, often being entrusted to guide others in completing important missions. My approach ensures that those around me also thrive. My ultimate objective is to improve my beloved community & district of the Lower East Side, East Village, Alphabet City and of Lower Manhattan. I have accomplished so much with limited funds, staff, and resources. If provided with the necessary support, I believe the work I am doing can be replicated on a larger scale and amplified across more regions.
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

Leadership is a quality I have consistently demonstrated, often being entrusted to guide others in completing important missions. My approach ensures that those around me also thrive. My ultimate objective is to improve my beloved community & district of the Lower East Side, East Village, Alphabet City and of Lower Manhattan. I have accomplished so much with limited funds, staff, and resources. If provided with the necessary support, I believe the work I am doing can be replicated on a larger scale and amplified across more regions.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

Accountability, honesty, honor, integrity, creativity, approachable, team player, critical thinker/problem solver
Accountability, honesty, honor, integrity, creativity, approachable, team player, critical thinker/problem solver
Fundamentally, I am in politics and a Democrat because I want to give force to the idea that government can't solve every problem or answer every dispute to the satisfaction of everyone, but its guiding light should be that powerful people and institutions don't need another fighter for them, but regular people do. That is what animates me : standing up on behalf of the middle class and those struggling to make it.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

For over 20+ years I have worked helping to advocate and make changes in policies for low income, unemployed, homeless, disabled, youth, elderly, housing, domestic violence awareness & support, civil rights, community media, freedom of speech and community resources. There have been much more I have worked on but these I consider my expertise are in. My political outlooks focus more on fiscal transparency, unify the community and civic engagement. I have been able to work on all these because I listen to the people and take action instead of talking about making changes. There is twenty plus years worth of tangible proof of my work all you gotta do is see for yourself through the eyes of all the people who i helped or gave them the power of self empowerment & restored their faith to make them better human beings and overcome anything that was meant to destroy them.
For over 20+ years I have worked helping to advocate and make changes in policies for low income, unemployed, homeless, disabled, youth, elderly, housing, domestic violence awareness & support, civil rights, community media, freedom of speech and community resources. There have been much more I have worked on but these I consider my expertise are in. My political outlooks focus more on fiscal transparency, unify the community and civic engagement. I have been able to work on all these because I listen to the people and take action instead of talking about making changes. There is twenty plus years worth of tangible proof of my work all you gotta do is see for yourself through the eyes of all the people who i helped or gave them the power of self empowerment & restored their faith to make them better human beings and overcome anything that was meant to destroy them.
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

For over 20+ years I have worked helping to advocate and make changes in policies for low income, unemployed, homeless, disabled, youth, elderly, housing, domestic violence awareness & support, civil rights, community media, freedom of speech and community resources. There have been much more I have worked on but these I consider my expertise are in. My political outlooks focus more on fiscal transparency, unify the community and civic engagement. I have been able to work on all these because I listen to the people and take action instead of talking about making changes. There is twenty plus years worth of tangible proof of my work all you gotta do is see for yourself through the eyes of all the people who i helped or gave them the power of self empowerment & restored their faith to make them better human beings and overcome anything that was meant to destroy them.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

Listening, acting upon new information.
Listening, acting upon new information.
I am loud, creative and combative. Maybe a bit too New York for my own good.
We need leaders who will work within City Hall, but also leaders who will take issues into their own hands and get to work. I have been doing that in Lower Manhattan for over a decade, by convening safety task forces, fighting against Albany’s failure to save Beth Israel Hospital, and expanding and preserving our affordable housing. Although the core responsibilities of the person elected to this office are to work within City Hall and the direct powers of government, I will do much more. I will stand with my community at rallies and marches, I will advocate for our neighborhoods, I will expand our constituent services, and I will work with all of you to create a more livable District 2.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

To be held accountable by the public & to be a servant to the public, remember that we as elected officials work for the people and not the people work for us. Someone who shows up not just when things are good & going well but also in times for crisis and in need is what matters the most to me as an elected official.
To be held accountable by the public & to be a servant to the public, remember that we as elected officials work for the people and not the people work for us. Someone who shows up not just when things are good & going well but also in times for crisis and in need is what matters the most to me as an elected official.
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

To be held accountable by the public & to be a servant to the public, remember that we as elected officials work for the people and not the people work for us. Someone who shows up not just when things are good & going well but also in times for crisis and in need is what matters the most to me as an elected official.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

The City Council serves as a check against the Mayor, Council members must oversee the performance and hold accountable City Agencies to ensure they are effectively serving New Yorkers. A Councilmember must actively sponsor or co-sponsor legislation that directly benefits those in their District. Since the city budget is approved by the City Council and the Council has final say on land use issues, they hold a great deal of power regarding not only their district, but also the rest of the City. There is a tradition of member deference, that Council members vote to follow the wishes of the City Councilmember in whose district the land use is proposed.
 However, I believe the actual core responsibility of a Councilmember is standing true for their constituents’ desires in these governmental collaborations and negotiations. Equally important is constituent services. The way a City Council Member interacts with their Constituents. The council member and his or her team represent residents’ connection to resolving problems with the aid of governmental agencies. Too often I hear of Constituents being ignored.
The City Council serves as a check against the Mayor, Council members must oversee the performance and hold accountable City Agencies to ensure they are effectively serving New Yorkers. A Councilmember must actively sponsor or co-sponsor legislation that directly benefits those in their District. Since the city budget is approved by the City Council and the Council has final say on land use issues, they hold a great deal of power regarding not only their district, but also the rest of the City. There is a tradition of member deference, that Council members vote to follow the wishes of the City Councilmember in whose district the land use is proposed.
 However, I believe the actual core responsibility of a Councilmember is standing true for their constituents’ desires in these governmental collaborations and negotiations. Equally important is constituent services. The way a City Council Member interacts with their Constituents. The council member and his or her team represent residents’ connection to resolving problems with the aid of governmental agencies. Too often I hear of Constituents being ignored.
City Council is mostly about making sure that the massive infrastructure of our local government is efficient, creative and responsive.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

I would love to leave a legacy of someone who made a difference in my city, state & country even if i have to sacrifice my life to save others. I want to be known for being a champion & hero of the people and a voice of the voiceless who are often left behind by a broken system and government who has failed to protect us.
I would love to leave a legacy of someone who made a difference in my city, state & country even if i have to sacrifice my life to save others. I want to be known for being a champion & hero of the people and a voice of the voiceless who are often left behind by a broken system and government who has failed to protect us.
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

I would love to leave a legacy of someone who made a difference in my city, state & country even if i have to sacrifice my life to save others. I want to be known for being a champion & hero of the people and a voice of the voiceless who are often left behind by a broken system and government who has failed to protect us.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

1. Preserving / protecting / investing in parks, green spaces and public spaces.


2. Enabling low income and middle class to live in NYC for future generations aka real affordable housing opportunities and small businesses that meet the neighborhood's needs. I support empowerment and community.
Fostering the idea that individually we all want to contribute in a meaningful way to society. #2 is a bit of an umbrella, but in the end it's a radical approach to poverty and struggle because I see it as removing a lot of red tape and not seeing people as problems to solve, but as supporting people with dignity and enabling them solve their own problems / channeling energy.


3. Provide work opportunities for artists because their visions of beauty and ability to tell truth and unity can bring emotion and growth such as peace, joy and empath to others. (Like 1930s Works Progress Administration (WPA) art projects and bringing the Charas community center back to life.)
1. Preserving / protecting / investing in parks, green spaces and public spaces.


2. Enabling low income and middle class to live in NYC for future generations aka real affordable housing opportunities and small businesses that meet the neighborhood's needs. I support empowerment and community.
Fostering the idea that individually we all want to contribute in a meaningful way to society. #2 is a bit of an umbrella, but in the end it's a radical approach to poverty and struggle because I see it as removing a lot of red tape and not seeing people as problems to solve, but as supporting people with dignity and enabling them solve their own problems / channeling energy.


3. Provide work opportunities for artists because their visions of beauty and ability to tell truth and unity can bring emotion and growth such as peace, joy and empath to others. (Like 1930s Works Progress Administration (WPA) art projects and bringing the Charas community center back to life.)
I'm only 60. Take it easy with the legacy stuff.
The O.J. Simpson trial. I was around six years old, and while I didn’t fully grasp everything at the time, I remember how it was everywhere—on TV, in conversations, even in classrooms. As I got older, I came to understand that it wasn’t just a celebrity trial—it was a national flashpoint that brought together so many unresolved tensions in America: race, class, media, gender, and the deep mistrust between the LAPD and Black communities in Los Angeles at the time.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

I remember 9/11 the attacks against our city and country that day as i was 20 years ago just out of high school and working, producing community media for Manhattan Neighborhood Network cable access station. I seen and experience first hand the Devastation of that day of the twin towers being attacked and coming down in which we all lost loved ones, friends, family our brave first responders that lost there lives trying to save others through the aftermath i seen the best of New Yorkers regardless of beliefs, race, gender being together, as i was their to help families & survivors in the aftermath in the weeks and months ahead supporting one another as human beings we need more of that now more than ever and i hope running for office to bring more unity and togetherness within our community and city.
I remember 9/11 the attacks against our city and country that day as i was 20 years ago just out of high school and working, producing community media for Manhattan Neighborhood Network cable access station. I seen and experience first hand the Devastation of that day of the twin towers being attacked and coming down in which we all lost loved ones, friends, family our brave first responders that lost there lives trying to save others through the aftermath i seen the best of New Yorkers regardless of beliefs, race, gender being together, as i was their to help families & survivors in the aftermath in the weeks and months ahead supporting one another as human beings we need more of that now more than ever and i hope running for office to bring more unity and togetherness within our community and city.
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

I remember 9/11 the attacks against our city and country that day as i was 20 years ago just out of high school and working, producing community media for Manhattan Neighborhood Network cable access station. I seen and experience first hand the Devastation of that day of the twin towers being attacked and coming down in which we all lost loved ones, friends, family our brave first responders that lost there lives trying to save others through the aftermath i seen the best of New Yorkers regardless of beliefs, race, gender being together, as i was their to help families & survivors in the aftermath in the weeks and months ahead supporting one another as human beings we need more of that now more than ever and i hope running for office to bring more unity and togetherness within our community and city.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

When I was in elementary school during summer school a teacher let us watch the space shuttle go into space. It was the only time I remember a teacher bringing out a television for students to watch. Everyone in the classroom was in awe to see the space shuttle blasting off into space. To this day, I remember staring at the large (now small by comparison ) television on an AV cart with everyone counting together "3-2-1- Blast Off!" as the space shuttle's rockets blasted fire. I was almost 9 years old.
When I was in elementary school during summer school a teacher let us watch the space shuttle go into space. It was the only time I remember a teacher bringing out a television for students to watch. Everyone in the classroom was in awe to see the space shuttle blasting off into space. To this day, I remember staring at the large (now small by comparison ) television on an AV cart with everyone counting together "3-2-1- Blast Off!" as the space shuttle's rockets blasted fire. I was almost 9 years old.
I recall leafletting for George McGovern when I was 8. I forget, how did he do?
My first job was working in a clothing store for a year, where I saw firsthand how precarious minimum-wage work could be. Every week, I would wait patiently for the schedule to be thumbtacked to the bulletin board in the break room, as most of my on-call shifts were at different times each week. I saw one of my colleagues risk losing her job simply because she called out sick with the flu. Since then, I’ve worked a range of minimum-wage jobs, always alongside others who were struggling to make ends meet. I went on to work as a busser and host at a restaurant, as well as a cashier at a bakery in Greenwich Village. These experiences gave me a deep understanding of the daily hardships working people face and shaped my commitment to fighting for a city that meets our basic needs and truly cares for everyone.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

As a teenager i started being a community media producer & content creator that started on local cable access television in Manhattan & Brooklyn at 20 years old i became a certified television producer i have since over the next two decades been on & produce Award-Winning Television & Radio Programming throughout National & Worldwide platforms heard & seen by millions of people. I am the owner & operator of independently run television & radio programming, platforms, stations that is a open platform free from MSM control or government oversight to give everyone a free platform to express their right to free speech regardless of their political views, race, gender.
As a teenager i started being a community media producer & content creator that started on local cable access television in Manhattan & Brooklyn at 20 years old i became a certified television producer i have since over the next two decades been on & produce Award-Winning Television & Radio Programming throughout National & Worldwide platforms heard & seen by millions of people. I am the owner & operator of independently run television & radio programming, platforms, stations that is a open platform free from MSM control or government oversight to give everyone a free platform to express their right to free speech regardless of their political views, race, gender.
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

As a teenager i started being a community media producer & content creator that started on local cable access television in Manhattan & Brooklyn at 20 years old i became a certified television producer i have since over the next two decades been on & produce Award-Winning Television & Radio Programming throughout National & Worldwide platforms heard & seen by millions of people. I am the owner & operator of independently run television & radio programming, platforms, stations that is a open platform free from MSM control or government oversight to give everyone a free platform to express their right to free speech regardless of their political views, race, gender.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

My first job out of college was working for a start up credentialing service that streamlined a doctor application process to apply for doctor privileges at hospitals. At the same time on the weekends I worked at an art museum at the front desk and in the coat room. I learned to work with others as well as representing the organizations I worked for to the public. I learned to manage an ever-changing case load with varying deadlines. I enjoyed having the opportunity to visit art exhibitions, which fueled my love of art history. Juggling two jobs meant working every day. I worked at the start up for two years and I worked at the museum for 5 years.
My first job out of college was working for a start up credentialing service that streamlined a doctor application process to apply for doctor privileges at hospitals. At the same time on the weekends I worked at an art museum at the front desk and in the coat room. I learned to work with others as well as representing the organizations I worked for to the public. I learned to manage an ever-changing case load with varying deadlines. I enjoyed having the opportunity to visit art exhibitions, which fueled my love of art history. Juggling two jobs meant working every day. I worked at the start up for two years and I worked at the museum for 5 years.
I worked as a stockboy at a health food store for about a year.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

Martin Luther King Where we go from here is a inspiring message of hope and faith in our fellow man to be greater than we ever thought we can be and to never give up fighting for the rights of all people including us minorities & those of color we all owe it to Dr. King to keep fighting for those rights & protect something that is our god given right.
Martin Luther King Where we go from here is a inspiring message of hope and faith in our fellow man to be greater than we ever thought we can be and to never give up fighting for the rights of all people including us minorities & those of color we all owe it to Dr. King to keep fighting for those rights & protect something that is our god given right.
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

Martin Luther King Where we go from here is a inspiring message of hope and faith in our fellow man to be greater than we ever thought we can be and to never give up fighting for the rights of all people including us minorities & those of color we all owe it to Dr. King to keep fighting for those rights & protect something that is our god given right.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

Maps to the Other Side: The Adventures of a Bipolar Cartographer by Sasha Altman DuBrul is my favorite book. Sasha has been friends with my husband from the 1990s so I was familiar with Sasha as a member of the Lower East Side political ska-punk community. However, DuBrul's life is so much more than a musician. For one, he is a co-founder of the Icarus Project, providing alternative forms of help and care for people who suffer from Bipolar mental health challenges.



Overall, I love DuBrul's storytelling and interweaving of BiPolar Disorder, Youthful Wanderlust and Gardening. The way the book is structured, I was able to savor each chapter and reflect before reading the next chapter.



I wish this book was given to every high school student as they begin their junior year. DuBrul's passion for life and courage to live a life he wants to live is inspiring. I live to give this book as gifts to family and friends. Debating a career change or wishing you could do something but don't have the resources... read this book. DuBrul re-examines and affirms the tried and true saying "If there's a will, there's a way."
Maps to the Other Side: The Adventures of a Bipolar Cartographer by Sasha Altman DuBrul is my favorite book. Sasha has been friends with my husband from the 1990s so I was familiar with Sasha as a member of the Lower East Side political ska-punk community. However, DuBrul's life is so much more than a musician. For one, he is a co-founder of the Icarus Project, providing alternative forms of help and care for people who suffer from Bipolar mental health challenges.



Overall, I love DuBrul's storytelling and interweaving of BiPolar Disorder, Youthful Wanderlust and Gardening. The way the book is structured, I was able to savor each chapter and reflect before reading the next chapter.



I wish this book was given to every high school student as they begin their junior year. DuBrul's passion for life and courage to live a life he wants to live is inspiring. I live to give this book as gifts to family and friends. Debating a career change or wishing you could do something but don't have the resources... read this book. DuBrul re-examines and affirms the tried and true saying "If there's a will, there's a way."
Bonfire of the Vanities. Iconic time capsule of a certain time in New York public life.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

He-man, The Dark Knight Batman or Harvey Dent to be a protector and champion of the people just like in the comics.
He-man, The Dark Knight Batman or Harvey Dent to be a protector and champion of the people just like in the comics.
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

He-man, The Dark Knight Batman or Harvey Dent to be a protector and champion of the people just like in the comics.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

A District 2 Representative who listens and acts in their constituents best interest, is not using the office as a stepping stone, and does not create costly special elections by misrepresenting their desires and intentions to serve.
A District 2 Representative who listens and acts in their constituents best interest, is not using the office as a stepping stone, and does not create costly special elections by misrepresenting their desires and intentions to serve.
Senator Jay Billington in Bullworth. IYKYK
"Ohio" Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. It was once banned by some radio stations, and its stripped-down arrangement, raw emotion, and political commentary have cemented its place as one of the most powerful protest songs in American history. It reminds me that young people remain a conscious of our history.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

Lee Greenwood - God Bless The U.S.A. is a great song i been hearing lately is reminds me of a time when this country was good and we were led by faith and appreciation to all those who made this country great through their sacrifice and hard work made America what it is and can be again.
Lee Greenwood - God Bless The U.S.A. is a great song i been hearing lately is reminds me of a time when this country was good and we were led by faith and appreciation to all those who made this country great through their sacrifice and hard work made America what it is and can be again.
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

Lee Greenwood - God Bless The U.S.A. is a great song i been hearing lately is reminds me of a time when this country was good and we were led by faith and appreciation to all those who made this country great through their sacrifice and hard work made America what it is and can be again.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

Not going to say for fear of it coming back, but with two young daughters I get exposed to many horrible ear worms.
Not going to say for fear of it coming back, but with two young daughters I get exposed to many horrible ear worms.
Year 3000 by Jonas Brothers. Shoot me now.
Feeling like I had to earn stability. I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck, I’ve gone without healthcare, and I’ve lived in unlivable conditions. I’ve spent much of my life navigating systems that weren’t built for people like me, and in the face of near constant world-historic events, from the post 9/11 world, the housing collapse of 2008, the Trump presidency, to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s taken a long time to trust that I, and my community, deserve joy, not just survival. That’s why I’m running for office, to ensure that all members of our community don’t just have to get by, but that they can thrive.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

Self doubt is something i struggle with since childhood not believing i'm good enough or i done enough to help myself or others but all i gotta do at those times of reflection is look back at all the people i came across over the decades, look at the old photos, videos, stories, letters, memories and i am reminded that the devil is a liar and i am here as a angel & protector of god through christ and i'm here to do gods work and help others.
Self doubt is something i struggle with since childhood not believing i'm good enough or i done enough to help myself or others but all i gotta do at those times of reflection is look back at all the people i came across over the decades, look at the old photos, videos, stories, letters, memories and i am reminded that the devil is a liar and i am here as a angel & protector of god through christ and i'm here to do gods work and help others.
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

Self doubt is something i struggle with since childhood not believing i'm good enough or i done enough to help myself or others but all i gotta do at those times of reflection is look back at all the people i came across over the decades, look at the old photos, videos, stories, letters, memories and i am reminded that the devil is a liar and i am here as a angel & protector of god through christ and i'm here to do gods work and help others.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

public speaking
public speaking
I lost a lot in my struggle with addiction. But that struggle and my path to recovery has given me a new sense of the power of service.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

Yes in a way we are just like Congress being City Council members as having broad elected & legislative powers it is the upmost importance that we don't abuse those powers and only use it for the betterment of our residents and citizens.
Yes in a way we are just like Congress being City Council members as having broad elected & legislative powers it is the upmost importance that we don't abuse those powers and only use it for the betterment of our residents and citizens.
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

Yes in a way we are just like Congress being City Council members as having broad elected & legislative powers it is the upmost importance that we don't abuse those powers and only use it for the betterment of our residents and citizens.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

In running for City Council, I learned that a City Councilmember can call Oversight Hearings on issues that are impacting their district. Calling appropriate governmental agencies together to address an issue in their district, a City Councilmember can hold the agencies accountable to take proper action.
In running for City Council, I learned that a City Councilmember can call Oversight Hearings on issues that are impacting their district. Calling appropriate governmental agencies together to address an issue in their district, a City Councilmember can hold the agencies accountable to take proper action.
The focus of my time in government has been to empower city residents more against the encroachment of state officials into our affairs.
The same old same old has not been working. It’s time for the old guard to step aside. We need new people with fresh voices leading our communities. Holders of this office need real experience serving our Lower Manhattan communities. I have been living in and serving our district for over a decade at various organizations. I know what our communities need, and I have a record of success that shows I know how to get the work done.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

Yes & no, in one hand experience is a big plus which gives incoming elected officials ahead start but at the same time sometimes we need people to hold office that are not career politicians or had previous experience. We need more new & fresh ideas and balance of conservative ideas to bring common sense policies instead of more of the same socialist anti business tax & spend democrats who have done much damage to our neighborhoods, communities, districts and city.
Yes & no, in one hand experience is a big plus which gives incoming elected officials ahead start but at the same time sometimes we need people to hold office that are not career politicians or had previous experience. We need more new & fresh ideas and balance of conservative ideas to bring common sense policies instead of more of the same socialist anti business tax & spend democrats who have done much damage to our neighborhoods, communities, districts and city.
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

Yes & no, in one hand experience is a big plus which gives incoming elected officials ahead start but at the same time sometimes we need people to hold office that are not career politicians or had previous experience. We need more new & fresh ideas and balance of conservative ideas to bring common sense policies instead of more of the same socialist anti business tax & spend democrats who have done much damage to our neighborhoods, communities, districts and city.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

No. At this moment in time it's a detriment to have previous experience in government. We have just experienced having a career politician as council member for 8 years. Thanks to her ambition, she tried to run for other offices while council member, she put us last and it shows. She had worked for the prior council member, so she learned the "ropes." Council District 2 residents are desperate for change and solutions. They have been fighting against a council member who may have listened, but chose to side with anyone but residents. My opponents are cut from the same cloth; they have caused the problems that residents face. Listen to their talking points, they are signaling to lobbyists that they will work for them as opposed to residents. I believe it essential for a City Councilmember to have life experiences that enable them to have empathy and the ability to deeply creative problem solve issues' causes, not just at its face value. Some of the current mayoral administration's approaches come from a top down approach, rather than a bottom up approach. It is important to work together, but I have learned that it's not just how long you have lived in a neighborhood, but really about being an active member and enjoying being a part of your neighborhood. Any and all professional experiences can prepare a candidate to take on the bureaucratic operations and laws of upholding one's role as elected official, but being an active member and holding good will to your community is what gives an elected official strength. Confucius believed the legitimacy of a [government] fundamentally relies on the confidence of the people. [An elected official] should tirelessly work hard and 'lead by example'.
No. At this moment in time it's a detriment to have previous experience in government. We have just experienced having a career politician as council member for 8 years. Thanks to her ambition, she tried to run for other offices while council member, she put us last and it shows. She had worked for the prior council member, so she learned the "ropes." Council District 2 residents are desperate for change and solutions. They have been fighting against a council member who may have listened, but chose to side with anyone but residents. My opponents are cut from the same cloth; they have caused the problems that residents face. Listen to their talking points, they are signaling to lobbyists that they will work for them as opposed to residents. I believe it essential for a City Councilmember to have life experiences that enable them to have empathy and the ability to deeply creative problem solve issues' causes, not just at its face value. Some of the current mayoral administration's approaches come from a top down approach, rather than a bottom up approach. It is important to work together, but I have learned that it's not just how long you have lived in a neighborhood, but really about being an active member and enjoying being a part of your neighborhood. Any and all professional experiences can prepare a candidate to take on the bureaucratic operations and laws of upholding one's role as elected official, but being an active member and holding good will to your community is what gives an elected official strength. Confucius believed the legitimacy of a [government] fundamentally relies on the confidence of the people. [An elected official] should tirelessly work hard and 'lead by example'.
Yes. No one in the history of the City Council has ever run with more experience than I.
I believe direct experience working in City government is essential for success as a City Council member, especially in this moment. As one of only two candidates with hands-on experience navigating City government, I know how to cut through bureaucracy, build coalitions, and get results. This experience will be critical in fighting back against the harmful policies in the Trump agenda. In addition to my government experience, I bring strong skills in community engagement, policy analysis, and advocating for the needs of working families. I have worked from the ground up to serve our district, and as Council Member, I will fight for a more just, affordable, and livable New York for all.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

To be a people person, in which i mean be relatable to the needs of all New Yorkers not just the well off & the rich but to the rest of us.

To serve the public at all times that without them we hold no power or serve no purpose.

We need to be more efficient and more effective as elected officials and work with others & together to achieve goals and pass legislation without all the bureaucracy we face on a daily basis.
To be a people person, in which i mean be relatable to the needs of all New Yorkers not just the well off & the rich but to the rest of us.

To serve the public at all times that without them we hold no power or serve no purpose.

We need to be more efficient and more effective as elected officials and work with others & together to achieve goals and pass legislation without all the bureaucracy we face on a daily basis.
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

To be a people person, in which i mean be relatable to the needs of all New Yorkers not just the well off & the rich but to the rest of us.

To serve the public at all times that without them we hold no power or serve no purpose.

We need to be more efficient and more effective as elected officials and work with others & together to achieve goals and pass legislation without all the bureaucracy we face on a daily basis.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

I wrote this in 2021 and it is still true in 2025. I believe listening and respecting the community's collective voice on issues and voting accordingly is the most helpful habit to be a highly effective City Councilmember. Acknowledging constituent concerns and sometimes directing them to an appropriate agency for aid, is a valuable form of teamwork and collaboration, but following up with both the constituent and the agency is a sign of true accountability. Being able to see through the distractions to the core problem and then approach future recurring problems with critical thinking and long term problem solving is essential.
I wrote this in 2021 and it is still true in 2025. I believe listening and respecting the community's collective voice on issues and voting accordingly is the most helpful habit to be a highly effective City Councilmember. Acknowledging constituent concerns and sometimes directing them to an appropriate agency for aid, is a valuable form of teamwork and collaboration, but following up with both the constituent and the agency is a sign of true accountability. Being able to see through the distractions to the core problem and then approach future recurring problems with critical thinking and long term problem solving is essential.
Knowledge of the interlacing activities of the three levels of government would be helpful at a moment like this.
I wrote this in 2021 and it is still true in 2025. Over the past few years, I have witnessed the importance of strong leadership and accountability in a City Council member. In my opinion, having strong ties and communication with the community enables a Council Member to recognize their needs and stand up for constituents in the face of legislation and land use proceedings that many citizens are not even aware are taking place. City Council's role in land use decisions allows for more than enforcing the basics of the law, but also protecting the spirit and the will of the people who elected the representative. Aka, the people who live in the district. Not those who simply profit off of the district. In addition, when legislators regularly pass legislation that is not followed up with enforcement ( including pressure from the representative for local enforcement to occur, ) the legislation becomes meaningless. When people's resulting complaints fall on deaf ears, the representatives become equally meaningless.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

I wrote this in 2021 and it is still true in 2025. Over the past few years, I have witnessed the importance of strong leadership and accountability in a City Council member. In my opinion, having strong ties and communication with the community enables a Council Member to recognize their needs and stand up for constituents in the face of legislation and land use proceedings that many citizens are not even aware are taking place. City Council's role in land use decisions allows for more than enforcing the basics of the law, but also protecting the spirit and the will of the people who elected the representative. Aka, the people who live in the district. Not those who simply profit off of the district. In addition, when legislators regularly pass legislation that is not followed up with enforcement ( including pressure from the representative for local enforcement to occur, ) the legislation becomes meaningless. When people's resulting complaints fall on deaf ears, the representatives become equally meaningless.
It is local government itself.
Why don’t New Yorkers play hide and seek?


Because good luck hiding when the rent’s already $4,000 a month for a closet.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

In the words of the late great President Reagan "I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience," Ronald Reagan
In the words of the late great President Reagan "I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience," Ronald Reagan
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

In the words of the late great President Reagan "I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience," Ronald Reagan
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

What do you call an Alligator in a vest? An investigator. (taps mic) Is this thing on?
What do you call an Alligator in a vest? An investigator. (taps mic) Is this thing on?
A horse walks into a bar. The bartender asks "why the long face"
I have secured endorsements from former Rep. Carolyn Maloney and City Council Member Pierina Sanchez. I also have the support of the Working Families Party, Downtown Women for Change, the New Majority, Run for Something, the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees, and three influential local Democratic clubs: the Three Bridges Democratic Club, the United Democratic Organization, and Stonewall Democratic Club of New York. Additionally, dozens of community leaders, spanning tenant associations, PTA groups, local small businesses, and community boards, support my candidacy for city council—with many more incoming as we get closer to election day.
Working Families Party

Latino Victory Fund Eleanor's Legacy UAW CIR/SEIU Coalition for a District Alternative Downtown Women for Change Run for Something The New Majority NYC Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club NYU College Democrats

As well as over a dozen community leaders
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

My dear friends Patrick McManus, Chairman of the Bronx County Conservative Party, The Hon Gonzalo Duran Frm Sgt US Marines & Current Vice Chairman Bronx Conservative Party & District Leader, Veronica Gonzalez US Presidental Lifetime Service Award Recipient & Vice Chairwoman of Conservative Party of NY County, DJ Drewski of Hot 97, Lazaris Top Don Hiphop Star & Community Activist, Edwin Dela Cruz Vice President Manhattan Republican Party & Director of Conservative Party of NY County, Manhattan Neighborhood Network, Nuyorican Poets Cafe, Health Workers at Ryan Nena Community Health, Isaiah Vega 54th AD District Leader, Bronx Conservative Party, Brooklyn Conservative Party, Riis Houses Tenant Asso, Lillian Ward Tenants.
My dear friends Patrick McManus, Chairman of the Bronx County Conservative Party, The Hon Gonzalo Duran Frm Sgt US Marines & Current Vice Chairman Bronx Conservative Party & District Leader, Veronica Gonzalez US Presidental Lifetime Service Award Recipient & Vice Chairwoman of Conservative Party of NY County, DJ Drewski of Hot 97, Lazaris Top Don Hiphop Star & Community Activist, Edwin Dela Cruz Vice President Manhattan Republican Party & Director of Conservative Party of NY County, Manhattan Neighborhood Network, Nuyorican Poets Cafe, Health Workers at Ryan Nena Community Health, Isaiah Vega 54th AD District Leader, Bronx Conservative Party, Brooklyn Conservative Party, Riis Houses Tenant Asso, Lillian Ward Tenants.
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

My dear friends Patrick McManus, Chairman of the Bronx County Conservative Party, The Hon Gonzalo Duran Frm Sgt US Marines & Current Vice Chairman Bronx Conservative Party & District Leader, Veronica Gonzalez US Presidental Lifetime Service Award Recipient & Vice Chairwoman of Conservative Party of NY County, DJ Drewski of Hot 97, Lazaris Top Don Hiphop Star & Community Activist, Edwin Dela Cruz Vice President Manhattan Republican Party & Director of Conservative Party of NY County, Manhattan Neighborhood Network, Nuyorican Poets Cafe, Health Workers at Ryan Nena Community Health, Isaiah Vega 54th AD District Leader, Bronx Conservative Party, Brooklyn Conservative Party, Riis Houses Tenant Asso, Lillian Ward Tenants.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

Village Reform Democratic Club, 3 Bridges Democratic Club, AD65 part A DL Lee Berman, AD74 part A DL candidates Francisco Gonzalez and Jasmin Sanchez, AD71 DL Todd Stein, Judicial Delegate and Alternate Candidates AD74: Heidi Boghosian, Mindy Paez, Chris Ryan, Ted Oehmke, Robert Soloway, Alison Colby; AD66: Erin Hussein, Vanessa Warren, Ray Cline,
Village Reform Democratic Club, 3 Bridges Democratic Club, AD65 part A DL Lee Berman, AD74 part A DL candidates Francisco Gonzalez and Jasmin Sanchez, AD71 DL Todd Stein, Judicial Delegate and Alternate Candidates AD74: Heidi Boghosian, Mindy Paez, Chris Ryan, Ted Oehmke, Robert Soloway, Alison Colby; AD66: Erin Hussein, Vanessa Warren, Ray Cline,
My mom seems like she is ready to commit.
Seeing how our current mayoral administration has given the keys of our city to Donald Trump, reminds me of why my parents left Peru to immigrate to the United States. Our democracy is at stake, and we urgently need full financial transparency and government accountability.

As we’re dealing with the incompetence and tyranny of the federal administration, City Hall and Albany have failed us. While the federal administration is attacking our funding, Albany delivered our budget a month late.

Our current leaders have not fought enough for the transparency and accountability we desperately require. We need new voices who are going to fight for it, and I am ready to take the charge.
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Jason Murillo (Republican, Conservative)

I'm not a fan of big government and overspending, raising taxes and unnecessary and excessive taxes that hurts hard working New Yorkers & small businesses, families who are already struggling to survive in these hard times. I am for smaller effective government & fiscal responsibility that a dollar save is a dollar earn, and that we don't give hand outs but a hand up to our residents, small & big business owners and those who live on public assistance.
I'm not a fan of big government and overspending, raising taxes and unnecessary and excessive taxes that hurts hard working New Yorkers & small businesses, families who are already struggling to survive in these hard times. I am for smaller effective government & fiscal responsibility that a dollar save is a dollar earn, and that we don't give hand outs but a hand up to our residents, small & big business owners and those who live on public assistance.
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Jason Murillo (Conservative)

I'm not a fan of big government and overspending, raising taxes and unnecessary and excessive taxes that hurts hard working New Yorkers & small businesses, families who are already struggling to survive in these hard times. I am for smaller effective government & fiscal responsibility that a dollar save is a dollar earn, and that we don't give hand outs but a hand up to our residents, small & big business owners and those who live on public assistance.
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Allie Ryan (Unity)

Government at all levels is set up for financial transparency and government accountability, but the corruption is embedded and disguised as good. At the local level, after my last election, June 2023, the City budget revealed that my opponent, the incumbent, gave $1 million to a Mitchell-Lama residential complex, $400,000 to another Michell-Lama residential development and $500,000 to the Community Gardens. In 2025 one of my opponents has already written an article saying that he is running for City Council so he can give more money to nonprofits. These are examples of legal bribery. These are the sorts of examples why it is so difficult, nearly impossible, to unseat an incumbent. I had the highest voter results against an incumbent city-wide, yet it was not enough. Most people do not dare run, as it seen as an impossibility. This is not good for constituents, anit is not good for Democracy

We’ve had a housing crisis, a crime crisis, and a homelessness crisis for over a decade. The status quo Democrats claim to have solutions yet nothing has improved. Money disappears. Cronies profit. Yet they want to be re-elected for solving nothing in the myriad of crises. With two decades of experience living in Council District 2 and as an Environmental/Bicycling/Land Use Activist/Organizer, part of seven lawsuits suing for good government/community improvements, I bring actual experience and solutions to solve these chronic seemingly unsolvable problems.

We need to not only include the public in discussing new rezonings and punishing new fees / taxes, we need to apply what the residents tell us. Too many of the public input sessions are rubber stamping shams held after decisions have been made. See Congestion Pricing and the unelected MTA's impact on everyday New Yorkers and Small Businesses for one massive city wide example.
Government at all levels is set up for financial transparency and government accountability, but the corruption is embedded and disguised as good. At the local level, after my last election, June 2023, the City budget revealed that my opponent, the incumbent, gave $1 million to a Mitchell-Lama residential complex, $400,000 to another Michell-Lama residential development and $500,000 to the Community Gardens. In 2025 one of my opponents has already written an article saying that he is running for City Council so he can give more money to nonprofits. These are examples of legal bribery. These are the sorts of examples why it is so difficult, nearly impossible, to unseat an incumbent. I had the highest voter results against an incumbent city-wide, yet it was not enough. Most people do not dare run, as it seen as an impossibility. This is not good for constituents, anit is not good for Democracy

We’ve had a housing crisis, a crime crisis, and a homelessness crisis for over a decade. The status quo Democrats claim to have solutions yet nothing has improved. Money disappears. Cronies profit. Yet they want to be re-elected for solving nothing in the myriad of crises. With two decades of experience living in Council District 2 and as an Environmental/Bicycling/Land Use Activist/Organizer, part of seven lawsuits suing for good government/community improvements, I bring actual experience and solutions to solve these chronic seemingly unsolvable problems.

We need to not only include the public in discussing new rezonings and punishing new fees / taxes, we need to apply what the residents tell us. Too many of the public input sessions are rubber stamping shams held after decisions have been made. See Congestion Pricing and the unelected MTA's impact on everyday New Yorkers and Small Businesses for one massive city wide example.
I'm in favor of financial transparency and government accountability.



Candidates and election results

Democratic primary election

Democratic Primary for New York City Council District 4

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Virginia Maloney in round 5 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.


Total votes: 29,606
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.


Race information
Virginia Maloney (D) defeated five other candidates, winning 53% of the vote after five ranked choice rounds. The seat was left open by term-limited Keith Powers (D).

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side)

GET THE POLITICS OUT OF POLITICS!

For too long, politics in New York has been defined by partisanship, by gridlock, and by leaders who answer to special interests before they answer to their constituents. I’m running to change that.

I’m not bound by party bosses or big money. I’m accountable only to the communities I serve. Independence means I can speak truth when others stay silent. It means I can bring people together when others drive us apart.

This campaign is about reminding all of us that the government belongs to the people, not the parties, and that real change only happens when we refuse to accept politics as usual.

COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE

I know this community because it made me who I am. I grew up here, went to public schools here, and when my family faced homelessness, it was the East Side that lifted us up.

I’ve worked with every level of government, building partnerships, solving problems, and navigating complex systems to deliver results. As the Chair of Manhattan Community Board 6, I led the fight to stop the Soloviev Casino, kept our district safe during the pandemic, and oversaw the largest expansion of green space in a generation.

I know what it means to fight through adversity, and I know how to make government work for people. That’s the experience I will bring to City Hall.

The challenges we face in District 4 are real: we are all struggling with affordability and quality of life. But I believe these challenges are not insurmountable.

What they demand is innovation: the courage to think differently, to look beyond the status quo, and to harness the creativity and energy that has always defined this city.

Progress doesn’t come by standing still; it comes when communities come together, when neighbors find common ground, and when leaders have the vision to see what’s possible.

With the right leadership, the East Side can be more than a place we live – it can be a model of progress, opportunity, and shared purpose once again.
Public Safety remains a crucial issue when it comes to New York City. I don't have any illusions that in office I could solve all crime. But leaders in the community and elected officials are in a unique place to implement policies that might prevent certain crimes and promote public safety. Policies and practices within the city's departments could be improved. These improvements are only effective if the community understands what is going on. This starts with transparency between the People and a police and sherif's department that works tirelessly to improve public safety. As a City councilor and former Marine I have a unique opportunity to develop a dialogue between the People and departments to foster more cooperation.

Access to more affordable housing is desperately needed for a city whose homeless population is on the rise and while the cost of living across the country is skyrocketing. As construction technology allows for more efficient building techniques, this should allow for a large amount of low cost units. In addition to this, current laws in place to provide affordable housing units like section 8 or Mandatory Inclusionary Housing, should be expanded and bolstered by additional policies like Universal Affordability Preference or by lifting the 12 FAR Cap. These policies along with many others are what the city needs to have a wider availability of housing.

Education equity is also a very important issue. As it stands, for 2 out of 3 high school aged kids, the cost of a high school education is more than two hours on a potentially dangerous public transportation system, and the mental health strain that a school within walking distance won't admit them because the school district was instructed not to. Public education should be the marble pillar of our country. It should be free and excellent for everyone and the quality of an education shouldn't be determined by geography, wealth, or status. There needs to be a conversation with school administrations and the teacher unions about how to better implement funds and other resources, even educators across the city.
New York is in the midst of a housing crisis that requires an aggressive, comprehensive approach. This means enforcing and expanding our tenant protection laws, developing a citywide plan to grow our housing stock to meet our needs, and committing resources to low- and moderate-income families and seniors so that they can remain in their homes.

New York City must do more to keep our streets safe. This means using data to target hotspots of criminal activity so that there is a police officer there when you need one, automating traffic enforcement to catch reckless drivers and bikers when they violate the traffic laws, and improving our mental health system so that people who need care get the help they need.

Our public spaces have been neglected, making them unsanitary, unsafe, and uninviting. We need to modernize trash collection and incorporate new technology into building inspections to reduce the amount of scaffolding on our streets, lower speed limits and improve pedestrian safety on sidewalks, and invest in new waterfront parks to make better use of the space along the East River.
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Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side)

I am most passionate about public policy that restores a sense of dignity and hope to people’s lives. That means tackling homelessness and making sure all of our neighbors feel safe.

I believe leadership is not about serving the powerful – it is about lifting up those who feel unseen and unheard. I care deeply about the kind of policies that shape our daily lives in simple but profound ways – whether a child feels opportunity, whether a worker feels respect, whether a senior feels cared for.

Above all, I believe in a government that remembers its highest duty: to serve the people, and to ensure no one is left behind.
Something I am truly passionate about, though it may not come as a big surprise, is the roll that the arts can play in developing a more understanding community. Only through the arts can a diverse group of people be brought together and share in an enriching experience. Manhattan is a capital of so many different kinds of arts, it's only fitting that someone hoping to represent a portion of the city understands fully the meaningful impact that the arts can have in society and politics especially when we consider the unprecedented times facing us.
Housing affordability and city planning; better traffic management and data-informed policing to keep us safe; maintaining our public spaces.
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Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side)

City Council is the level of government closest to the people. It deals with the daily lives of families, whether their rent is affordable, whether their streets are safe, whether their children have schools worthy of them. The Council holds the power of the purse, shaping a budget larger than that of most states, and with that comes the duty to spend wisely and justly. It makes the laws that govern the most diverse city in the world, and in doing so, it sets an example for the nation.

The City Council is where democracy is tested each day, where the voices of everyday people can still be heard, where a tenant, a worker, or a small business owner can come and see their government respond.

It is important because it reminds us that leadership is not distant, not removed, but rooted in neighborhoods, in communities, in the struggles of the people themselves. And its true measure is whether it uses its power to serve the many who depend upon it for justice, fairness, and hope.
The office of city council is the "welcome mat" to all levels of politics. This is why being transparent and welcoming to all in the district is so important. If the people of the district don't trust their most accessible elected official, then there is no chance for trust among those in higher levels of office.
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Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side)

I have always looked up to leaders who spoke for those who could not speak for themselves.

Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia showed that government could be both tough and compassionate, and that it could cut through politics to deliver for all New Yorkers.

Senator Robert F. Kennedy (NOT the current HHS Secretary!) inspired me with his belief that each of us has a duty to stand against injustice, and to measure our lives not by what we take, but by what we give.

And today, I look to Malala Yousafzai, a contemporary whose courage in the face of violence reminds us that one voice, even a young voice, can move the conscience of the world.

Their examples teach me that leadership is not about power, but about service, sacrifice, and hope.
Largely I would recommend the West Wing for the belief that those in public office should lift up those they represent and that to do so with eloquent writing or speech is of a certain heightened value. I would also point to two older documents, the Declaration of Independence and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, the words of which I grew up believing in. When it comes to the phrase "all men are created equal" I hear it as artistic; understanding that as we strive for a more perfect union, the phrase grows to include all. It is still a beautifully elegant phrase despite its controversy.
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Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side)

Independence, integrity, and a deep sense of compassion for the people who make this city what it is. Independence, because in a city dominated by machines and special interests, leaders must answer only to their neighbors. Integrity, because New Yorkers can see through false promises. And, compassion, because politics is not about power for its own sake. It is about people, and the dignity of their lives. An elected official must be willing to listen, to walk with those who feel unseen, and to place the public good above personal gain. In the end, what matters most is not ambition or title, but whether you have stood with those who had no one else to stand with them.
I could realistically answer this in one word: Integrity. However I believe there is value to expanding on this. It's one thing to say I believe in integrity, it's another thing to act that way. An elected official as a leader should be honorable, courageous, and be committed to their beliefs.
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Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side)

The first duty of a City Council member is to be present among the people. To walk the streets, to listen to their struggles, to share in their burdens. It is to provide service when a neighbor calls, and to see that government answers with compassion and efficiency. It is to manage the City Budget with honesty, so that every dollar serves the common good. A Council Member must be a bridge, carrying the problems of the community into City Hall and returning with solutions. And above all, the responsibility is to remain faithful to the daily lives of New Yorkers: their safety, their dignity, and their hope.
They should be first and foremost, a role model for the people of the district. Every elected official should be the pride of the district and work for all in the district, not just those that voted for them. An elected official should be compassionate but firm, yet willing to listen to multiple sides of an issue. I believe the best leaders are also the best listeners and for someone to eventually be the most knowledgable person in any room, they must first be the quietest.
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Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side)

As a City Council Member, I want to oversee the creation of a record amount of new, affordable housing units. I would hope my legacy is that I made life better for the people I served: that families could afford to stay in their homes, that streets were safer and cleaner, that neighbors felt heard and respected.

But more importantly, as a human being, I would hope to be remembered for standing with those who were struggling, giving voice to those who felt forgotten, and never losing sight of the dignity of every person.

Legacies are not measured in titles or offices held, but in whether, in our brief time, we helped bend our society closer toward justice and compassion.
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Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side)

While it is not the first historical event that occurred during my lifetime, the event that had the greatest impact on me was September 11th, when I was 10 years old.

I remember the confusion of that day, the fear in the voices of adults, and the images that seemed almost too terrible to be real.

But I also remember what came after: the way people helped one another, the way neighbors opened their doors, the way this city, wounded and grieving, found strength in unity. It taught me that tragedy can break us, but it can also bind us together. And it impressed upon me, even as a child, that leadership must be about service, and that the measure of a community is how it responds when tested.
I was 12 years old during the September 11th terrorist attacks.
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Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side)

I attended Hunter College with the hope of becoming an elementary school teacher. My first job was as an afterschool counselor for children in kindergarten through fifth grade at a public school on the Upper West Side. I spent a year in that role, and can attest that there is no better preparation for public life than guiding a room full of spirited children!
Perhaps not surprisingly, the first job I ever worked was running carnival games at Six Flags Magic Mountain. I think it was here that I learned I enjoyed talking to strangers and getting to know things about them. Of course for the job, this also required me convincing them into spending money to play games. I've often explained that none of the games were rigged. There were just some that were harder to win and some were deceptively simple. I enjoyed that job and worked there over several summers
My first job ever was as a camp counselor for four year olds during the summer when I was in high school. My first job after college was doing performance analytics with the State government in Albany. I was there for 3 years making recommendations for how to deliver better results for the people of New York.
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Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side)

The Grapes of Wrath is not simply a novel. It is a testament to the strength and dignity of people who endure suffering and injustice. Steinbeck wrote of families driven from their homes, wandering in search of work, hope, and a chance to live with decency. And though it is set in another time, it speaks to our own. It reminds us that poverty is not an abstraction, but a human condition felt in the hunger of children, in the exhaustion of workers, in the despair of those who feel forgotten.

What moves me most is the resilience of those families, and the truth that even in the darkest of times, compassion and solidarity can carry us forward. The Grapes of Wrath tells us that the real measure of a society is not in the wealth of the few, but in whether the many are able to live with dignity.

It is a book about struggle, but also about hope, and it has always reminded me that the purpose of leadership, the duty of government, is to stand with those who have no one else to stand with them.
I've always enjoyed A Tale of Two Cities because I have always been touched by the level of sacrifice Sydney Carton pays for love and for what he believes is right.
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Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side)

If I could be any fictional character, I would choose Robin Williams’ character as the English teacher, John Keating in Dead Poets Society.

Keating believed in the power of young people, in their imagination, in their courage to see the world not as it is, but as it could be. He taught that words and ideas can change the world, that each of us has a voice, and a duty to use it.

What inspires me most is that Keating urged his students to “seize the day,” to live with purpose, to reject conformity, and to find the strength to stand for what they believe in. The belief in human potential, in justice, in the dignity of every person is what I hope to carry with me in public life. For the measure of leadership is not in what we take, but in how we inspire others to rise, to dream, and to act.
Recent songs I've been listening to:

"Cowboy Kind of Love" and "I Know It'll Never End" by The Castellows "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk The Mood

"Magic Carpet Ride" by Steppenwolf
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Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side)

I grew up in poverty, the son of immigrants, and for a time, without a home. My family lived in a church, friends’ couches through the five boroughs, and even at the UWS YMCA. Too often, I heard “no” more than I heard “yes.” Poverty meant that I had to work twice as hard for half the recognition. It meant uphill battles at every stage: struggling not only to survive, but to be seen, to be heard, to be given the same opportunities as others.

But out of that hardship came lessons I still carry with me. I learned that resilience is born of struggle, that compassion grows out of suffering, and that dignity must never be taken for granted. I learned that the measure of a society is how it treats those who live in the shadows of poverty and experience inequality: children without homes, families without means, neighbors who feel forgotten.

My own life has been shaped by this truth. I have been underestimated, but never defeated. And it is that experience which compels me to speak for those who are still told they cannot, to fight for those who are unseen, to bend government toward justice, and to remind this city that no New Yorker should ever have to walk that hard road alone.
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Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side)

One of the lesser-known powers of the New York City Council is its role in shaping the leadership of our Community Boards. To many, that may seem like a small responsibility, but in truth, it is one of the most important.

Community Boards are where the daily struggles of New Yorkers are first heard: the tenant facing eviction, the parent fighting for a playground, the small business owner burdened by red tape. They are the foundation of local democracy, and the people who serve on them carry the voice of their neighborhoods.

The Council has the power to recommend and shape those appointments, and with that power comes a duty: to choose leaders who will listen, who will fight, who will serve not themselves, but the community. It is a responsibility that is too often overlooked, yet it is there that the principles of justice, fairness, and participation are most directly lived.
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Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side)

Yes. I believe it is beneficial for members of the City Council to have previous experience in government because this office carries great responsibility: it manages a budget larger than that of most states, it makes laws that shape the lives of millions, and it must hold powerful institutions to account. Experience provides the knowledge to navigate these systems, to move beyond rhetoric, and to deliver real results for the people. But, experience alone is not enough. It must be joined with independence, with compassion, and with the courage to act on behalf of those who too often go unheard. Experience in government is valuable because it can shorten the distance between a neighbor’s struggle and a solution. And at its best, it gives a council member the tools not only to understand the machinery of government, but to bend it toward justice.
I do believe it's beneficial, though not necessarily a requirement. If someone can nurture relationships and effectively speak their mind, I see no reason why someone with no government experience shouldn't be allowed to run for office.
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Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side)

The skills most needed in the City Council today are not only technical, but moral. We need leaders free from the weight of party machines and special interests, who are able to speak honestly and act boldly. We need a new generation of leadership, willing to break from the old patterns of gridlock and fear, and to bring forward ideas that are innovative, imaginative, and unafraid of change.

But skill alone is not enough. What also matters is lived experience in the issues most important to us – leaders who understand hardship not as an abstraction, but as life itself, who know what it means to struggle for a home, for safety, for dignity. And with that, there must also be professional expertise, the ability to navigate government, to build coalitions, to shape strategic initiatives, and to move from promises to results.

The Council needs members who can marry experience in the system and experience in the struggle because only then can government truly serve the people.
Skills such as developing interpersonal relationships, eloquently speaking to groups both large and small, and being able to write well are all important to anyone in office. I think dressing well and looking your best is also important just as being honest is something meaningful to the person in office.
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Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side)

What makes the New York City Council unique is the scope of its authority and the closeness of its responsibility. It holds the power of the purse over an $100+ billion budget (which is larger than most states!) and with it the ability to decide how resources are invested in housing, schools, public safety, and health, amongst other important issues. It exercises legislative authority, drafting local laws that shape everything from zoning and land use to tenant protections and environmental standards. And, it provides oversight of city agencies, ensuring accountability in how services are delivered. Beyond its technical powers, the Council is also unique because its work is immediate and personal. It is the forum where communities bring their concerns, where local issues meet the machinery of government. It is important not only because of its legal authority, but because it is the place where government is most directly tested – where the promises of democracy are either made real in people’s daily lives, or left unmet.
Why does the Norwegian Navy put barcodes on the sides of their ships? So when they come to port, they can Scandinavian!
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Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side)

Forward Party New York Immigration Coalition Action
A full list of endorsements can be found at www.voteben.nyc/endorsements. Notable organizations supporting my campaign include:

Abundance NY Eleanor Roosevelt Independent Democrats Four Freedoms Democratic Club NYC New Liberals NYU College Democrats Open NY Tenants PAC

I also have the Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Distinction.
Financial transparency and accountability go hand in hand with the integrity I wrote on in a box earlier. I don't think anyone who would be against any sort of transparency or accountability should be fit for office.
I began my career in public service as a data analyst working for the State government to improve government operations, save money, and deliver better results to the public. New York's leaders have failed to live up to these principles, and until we reorient back to a government that is focused on delivering results to the public rather than to special interests, people will continue to lose faith in their elected leaders to improve their lives.
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Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side)

The stories I hear most often are not about one family or one neighborhood alone, but about a deeper frustration that runs through our city. People tell me they feel trapped by a two-party system that no longer speaks for them. They speak of a government that too often promises but does not deliver, that listens but does not hear. And what touches me most is not only their frustration, but their yearning for a new generation of leadership that is independent, forward-looking, and willing to meet the challenges of today with energy and purpose. These voices are asking us to rise to the occasion, to bring fresh ideas and bold action, and to renew their faith in what government can and must be.
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Kyle Athayde (Revive East Side)

I led immigration initiatives for the State of New York from 2015 to 2022, during some of the most difficult years in our nation’s history. At a time when the federal government sought to vilify and divide, we chose a different path. We led with compassion and built strong systems that upheld the rule of law and gave people dignity in the process. We supported thousands of immigrants and refugees, families who had fled violence and persecution, people who came here seeking only the chance to work, to raise their children, and to live in peace. My programs received national recognition from the Harvard Kennedy School as among the Top Government Innovations in the country, and led to the creation of similar programs in numerous other states. But, most importantly, we stood with people at a moment when they needed someone to stand with them. Leadership is not about comfort, but about conscience. And I believe that government, at its best, is not a weapon to exclude, but a bridge to bring people in.



Candidates and election results

Democratic primary election

Democratic Primary for New York City Council District 8

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Elsie Encarnacion in round 7 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.


Total votes: 15,592
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates


Race information
Elsie Encarnacion (D) defeated six other candidates, winning 58% of the vote after seven ranked choice rounds. The seat was left open by term-limited Diana Ayala (D).

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Healthcare: The United States ranks 48th worldwide. It ranks second in per capita healthcare costs ($8,608), surpassed only by Switzerland ($9,121), which, incidentally, boasts a healthcare system in the top 10 in terms of efficiency. It's striking how low the United States ranks in healthcare efficiency: among the 48 countries included in the Bloomberg study, it ranks 46th. Our District 8 suffers because, over the past 16 years, a large number of people with six-figure incomes have moved to our district with health insurance. So we look healthy and wealthy, but we are not.

As of October 2025, the average rent in New York, NY is $4,041 per month. This is 148% higher than the national average rent price of $1,629/month. The average public housing family’s income in 2025 give of take a few hundreds or thousand is $30,000 and according to the Bureau of statistics in NYC is $74,500. This is really a Tale of Two Cities with 22 Projects of low income housing in District 8. This is a Tale of Two Cities.

"The answer to our Tale of Two Cities." The best social program is a well-paying job, and even better than that is a union job. We can start by renewing the New York City Housing Authority. We can create employment opportunities, such as apprenticeship programs, for both male and female residents. The United States needs to improve its infrastructure. We can benefit from job creation. A skilled labor pool is necessary to relocate and restore U.S. leadership in global manufacturing and strengthen our aging infrastructure.
“Real Affordable Housing” - The current and previous City Council Members have been selling our community piece by piece for years. They say they are champions for affordable housing , but the question is affordable for who? All I see are buildings going up that most of us cannot afford to live in. If elected, I promise to do everything possible to create “real affordable housing” so our current & future residents can have options on where to live, because we should have the luxury to live comfortably in the community that we poured into our entire lives. We have to make the developers work for us instead of being traded because they deemed us worthless.

The problem with today’s politicians is that they underestimate the intelligence of the people they serve. They only speak to the people who vote, and if you look at the numbers that’s not a lot of people. I am trying to look out for everyone I serve no matter what, because I understand why someone would not want to vote or why someone might not feel confident in the system that represents them. Historically the government has overlooked communities like ours , and there’s nothing I can say to change that fact, and to be honest I am not trying too. I would like to show you that good people do exist and together we can make this community happier, healthier, and affordable.

Vote for someone who has actually been in the community, that has real lived experience, great relevant experience, and will never turn their back on the people. That someone is Nicholas A. Reyes. A fierce advocate and ready to hold city agencies accountable for doing their job well.
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Federico Colon (Unity)

Land use, oversight and budget & finances.
Land use, oversight and budget & finances.
General Welfare, Environmental Protection, Public Housing, Public Safety, Mental Health, Sanitation, Education, Consumer and Worker Protection, Youth Initiatives, and Land Use.
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Federico Colon (Unity)

We have the power to make local laws that can impact our lives and within the district set priorities in a way that can gave a positive impact. This will be very important in the next few years.
We have the power to make local laws that can impact our lives and within the district set priorities in a way that can gave a positive impact. This will be very important in the next few years.
The City Council makes laws for the entire New York City which is New York State's most lucrative municipality making it unique.
Abraham Lincoln and Nelson Mandela.

Abraham for all the hardships and Mandela for

his personal story of forgiveness.
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Federico Colon (Unity)

Abraham Lincoln and Nelson Mandela.

Abraham for all the hardships and Mandela for

his personal story of forgiveness.
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Federico Colon (Unity)

Serving the people is a privilege and an honor, not a career.
Serving the people is a privilege and an honor, not a career.
Integrity, Personable, Humility, Quick-Witted, Adaptable, Persistant, Leader, Creative, Accountable, and Humble.
Integrity, Personable, Humility, Quick-Witted, Adaptable, Persistent, Leader, Creative, Accountable, Resourceful, Reliable, Fair, and Humble.
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Federico Colon (Unity)

Think of those in need. We need to care for the young, the elderly, and the sick.

The average cost of daycare in New York City is $2,000 to $4,200 a month. Let's think of single mothers.

We also need to understand how federal budget cuts will affect our community. For example, hospitals will be overwhelmed by Medicaid cuts, and there will likely be food shortages at food banks.
Think of those in need. We need to care for the young, the elderly, and the sick.

The average cost of daycare in New York City is $2,000 to $4,200 a month. Let's think of single mothers.

We also need to understand how federal budget cuts will affect our community. For example, hospitals will be overwhelmed by Medicaid cuts, and there will likely be food shortages at food banks.
The overarching responsibility is to be an accurate voice of the people and to not let outside interests that could potentially harm the community have leverage so much so that their goals become more important than those of our community.

For example, there are ways to build truly affordable housing that would successfully address a portion of the city-wide housing crisis and prevent widespread displacement and other adverse effects. Yet, a good amount of the "affordable" developments do not begin to address the actual needs of the district.

While it may be more advantageous for a career politician to teeter on the side of developers because they are financial allies in some cases, that kind of relationship does not serve the people living in District 8. It contributes the high level of governmental disconnect that people constantly express. The accurate voice of the people in this case would be do whatever is in the Council Member's power to create truly affordable housing, especially during a time where the rate of available units is at a historic low.

As your City Council member, one of my top responsibilities is creating truly affordable housing for this district to prevent further displacement, and that starts with revisiting the city zoning text and mending it to reflect a more proportional MIH rate and lowering the percentage of AMI that it currently sits at in all options. This is a very pivotal time and if we do not act fast a lot more people will face adverse effects.
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Federico Colon (Unity)

To empower others. I partnered with Reverend Franklin Simpson, and we rebuilt a three-family building to house autistic adults. We also saved Way Out Ministries, a 50-year-old transition program dedicated to the healing and rehabilitation of people affected by addiction in the Bronx. My legacy is going to make more real affordable housing for those that are in need. i.e. Perhaps smaller family building, to house the homeless in a setting that they have all the services they need to live a healthy life.
To empower others. I partnered with Reverend Franklin Simpson, and we rebuilt a three-family building to house autistic adults. We also saved Way Out Ministries, a 50-year-old transition program dedicated to the healing and rehabilitation of people affected by addiction in the Bronx. My legacy is going to make more real affordable housing for those that are in need. i.e. Perhaps smaller family building, to house the homeless in a setting that they have all the services they need to live a healthy life.
It would be amazing to leave a legacy showing the youngest elected Democrat in Manhattan persevering through obstacles, being born and raised in the district, having relevant experience, and not taking any money from Independent Expenditures, PACS, or Big Developers. Now to each their own, but I did not feel a need to do that. Instead, I organically raised money from people from the community and received matching funds from the Campaign Finance Board. There is a famous poem by Robert Frost titled The "Road Not Taken" where he writes "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. I hope that is my legacy.
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Federico Colon (Unity)

Dishwasher, working on a bodega. Two jobs. 6 months.
Dishwasher, working on a bodega. Two jobs. 6 months.
Joy Burger on 100th Street and Lexington at the age of 13, I worked for two summers.
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Federico Colon (Unity)

Les Miserables and Profiles in Courage
Les Miserables and Profiles in Courage
"Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell
I don't focus on the difficulties or the struggles. My mother lost her job at the sewing factory. She worked at the Levy Brothers factory on Broadway and Lafayette. She told us, things would get a little tough but we are going to be okay. We are not going to take welfare. We all worked whatever jobs came along, and things got better. She always told me God would provide.
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Federico Colon (Unity)

I don't focus on the difficulties or the struggles. My mother lost her job at the sewing factory. She worked at the Levy Brothers factory on Broadway and Lafayette. She told us, things would get a little tough but we are going to be okay. We are not going to take welfare. We all worked whatever jobs came along, and things got better. She always told me God would provide.
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Federico Colon (Unity)

Yes, We need to push those agencies that can create their own bond issues to generate work and create fiscal opportunities.
Yes, We need to push those agencies that can create their own bond issues to generate work and create fiscal opportunities.
Participatory budgeting is a fairly new power that allows the community to have a role in key community funding and decisions which more people should know about.
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Federico Colon (Unity)

As ;long as you have a strong foundation. The discipline to work hard. The drive to serve others is a good start and during hard times experience is a plus.
As ;long as you have a strong foundation. The discipline to work hard. The drive to serve others is a good start and during hard times experience is a plus.
While I do have previous experience working in local government while being the elected State Committee Member for the 68th Assembly District, I do not believe it is always necessary to have previous experience. Previous experience is helpful but not the determining factor in my opinion.
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Federico Colon (Unity)

To work with others and to empower others. We have to make sure that most or if possible. every project is sustainable.
To work with others and to empower others. We have to make sure that most or if possible. every project is sustainable.
Understanding how local government operates with various entities, Understanding how our budget process unfolds, the ability to talk to members across the isle when political ideologies differ, Energy, Resourcefulness, knowledge of the non-profit sector, being unafraid to do what is the right thing by the people living in the community, and Understanding public policy.
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Federico Colon (Unity)

This is our first line of defense at the end or at the beginning all politics is local.
This is our first line of defense at the end or at the beginning all politics is local.
The fact that the City Council is supposed to hold city agencies accountable through different committees, which play a significant role in the lives of people makes the City Council unique to local government.
I have not have any endorsements.
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Federico Colon (Unity)

I have not have any endorsements.
I fully support financial transparency and government accountability. It keeps people accountable and allows relief to the public if something nefarious is going on which will allow them to maintain trust in the system.
The woman who insisted on giving me the $50 she received as a gift didn't leave until I accepted her donations. She said I'm a retired union organizer and I know you'll help our community. May God help and guide you..
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Federico Colon (Unity)

The woman who insisted on giving me the $50 she received as a gift didn't leave until I accepted her donations. She said I'm a retired union organizer and I know you'll help our community. May God help and guide you..
My daughter graduating from Yale University. Her accomplishment made me so proud.
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Federico Colon (Unity)

My daughter graduating from Yale University. Her accomplishment made me so proud.



Candidates and election results

Democratic primary election

Democratic Primary for New York City Council District 11

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Eric Dinowitz in round 1 .


Total votes: 19,568
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.


Race information
Incumbent Eric Dinowitz (D) defeated Danielle Herbert-Guggenheim (D) 72%-28%. He ran for a full four-year term after initially winning the seat in a 2021 special election.[11]

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

No candidate in this race completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.


Candidates and election results

Democratic primary election

Democratic Primary for New York City Council District 13

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Shirley Aldebol in round 6 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.


Total votes: 11,402
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.


Race information
Shirley Aldebol (D) defeated five other candidates, winning 56% of the vote after six ranked choice rounds. Incumbent Kristy Marmorato (R) unseated Marjorie Velazquez (D) to flip the seat in 2023.[12]

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Shirley Aldebol (Democratic, Working Families)

Shirley will work to increase access to truly affordable childcare, expand affordable housing, strengthen protections for tenants, improve access to quality healthcare including mental health care, and increase wages to put more money in the pockets of working families.

As a lifelong labor leader and organizer, Shirley understands the challenges that working people in the Bronx face. Every worker deserves good wages, fair contracts, quality health care, and safe working conditions. As our City Councilmember, Shirley will push for policies that support workers in our city, including better pay, strong benefits, and safe workplaces. She’ll also work with her colleagues on the City Council and in Albany to create more good-paying jobs and invest in tech, vocational, and apprenticeship programs to get more New Yorkers into stable employment and on a path to the middle class.

Everyone deserves to live in safe communities. As our City Councilmember, Shirley will deliver solutions that address the root causes of crime: strengthening our neighborhood services and providing people with the resources they need to thrive, not just survive. Shirley will invest in good-paying jobs, fully funded public services, parks, libraries, recreational centers, and after school programs for our youth. And she will make sure that law enforcement has the tools and resources they need to keep our communities and transit system safe. Shirley will also work to improve quality of life in our neighborhoods, including by closing illegal smoke shops and keeping our streets and business corridors clean.
Theona has spent over two decades fighting for workers’ rights, fair wages, and better conditions. She helped create one of the first fully unionized offices in the City Council and played a lead role in negotiating a historic union contract for legislative staffers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Theona served on the frontlines as a Public Health Advisor—connecting vulnerable communities with vital care and resources when they needed it most.

With 22+ years of experience in organizing, education, immigration law, and public service, Theona has a track record of creating real change. She’s committed to building a more just, inclusive, and supportive community for all.
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Shirley Aldebol (Democratic, Working Families)

Shirley is running for the City Council because it’s time to stand up! We don’t have to accept skyrocketing housing costs, underfunded public services, and low wages that aren’t even keeping up with inflation.
Shirley is running for the City Council because it’s time to stand up! We don’t have to accept skyrocketing housing costs, underfunded public services, and low wages that aren’t even keeping up with inflation.
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Shirley Aldebol (Working Families)

Shirley is running for the City Council because it’s time to stand up! We don’t have to accept skyrocketing housing costs, underfunded public services, and low wages that aren’t even keeping up with inflation.
Quality of Life & Public Safety

Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported in their neighborhood. Quality Education for All Education is the foundation of opportunity. I’m committed to fully funding our schools. Supporting Our Seniors Our seniors deserve to age with dignity, respect, and the support they’ve earned. 🇺🇸 Standing with Our Veterans Veterans have sacrificed for our country, and they should never be left behind. I’m committed to: Ensuring access to healthcare, mental health services, and housing support. Fighting for Working Families Working families are the backbone of our city. Small Business Support & Entrepreneurship Opportunities

Small businesses are the heart of our neighborhoods and the engines of local jobs.
Direct Representation of the People

This office is deeply connected to the community, serving as the voice of constituents in the decision-making process. Unlike higher-level government positions, this office has a direct line to the people, ensuring their concerns, needs, and interests are heard and addressed at the local level. Advocacy for Justice and Equity A core responsibility of this office is to ensure that justice is accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. It plays a key role in advocating for policies that protect marginalized communities, fighting for fairness and equality within the legal and governmental systems. Legislative Power at the Local Level This office carries significant legislative influence at the municipal level, helping to shape laws and policies that directly affect the everyday lives of residents. Whether it’s working on issues like housing, education, or public health, this office is at the forefront of passing laws that have an immediate impact on the local community. Accountability and Oversight This office plays a vital role in ensuring that other parts of the city government remain accountable to the public. Through oversight and checks and balances, it ensures that city resources are used appropriately and that policies are being carried out effectively. It’s a safeguard against corruption and mismanagement within the local government. Bridging the Gap Between Law and People The office acts as a connector between the legal system and everyday citizens. Whether it’s ensuring that local laws are being followed or helping people navigate the legal system, this office plays an important role in making the law accessible and understandable for the people it serves. Policy Implementation and Community Development This office not only creates policy but also ensures that it is implemented effectively at the ground level.

it plays an essential part in building stronger, more resilient neighborhoods.
I look up to my mother and father, who led with purpose, humility, and a deep commitment to serving others. Their example continues to inspire me. As a business leader and workers’ rights activist, they fought tirelessly for the rights of working families and small business owners. Like my parents, I believe in the power of public service, in giving a voice to the unheard, and in fighting for justice, fairness, and dignity in our communities.

I also draw inspiration from the countless community members, educators, and frontline workers—people like myself—who may not be widely recognized, but who show up every day to make their neighborhoods stronger, safer, and more inclusive. Their resilience and quiet leadership are a constant reminder that real change begins at the ground level.

I aim to follow the example of those who lead by listening, who stand up for working people, and who are unafraid to challenge the status quo to build something better. That’s the kind of leader I strive to be rooted in community, driven by equity, and committed to action.
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Shirley Aldebol (Democratic, Working Families)

An elected official must stand firmly with working people, fight for fair wages, and ensure government works for everyone—not just the wealthy. Common sense leadership means listening to the community, making practical decisions that improve lives, and holding those in power accountable. I’ll always put working-class families first and fight for the dignity and rights of every worker.
An elected official must stand firmly with working people, fight for fair wages, and ensure government works for everyone—not just the wealthy. Common sense leadership means listening to the community, making practical decisions that improve lives, and holding those in power accountable. I’ll always put working-class families first and fight for the dignity and rights of every worker.
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Shirley Aldebol (Working Families)

An elected official must stand firmly with working people, fight for fair wages, and ensure government works for everyone—not just the wealthy. Common sense leadership means listening to the community, making practical decisions that improve lives, and holding those in power accountable. I’ll always put working-class families first and fight for the dignity and rights of every worker.
Integrity – Honest, transparent, and guided by strong moral values

Accountability – Takes responsibility and stays answerable to the public Commitment to Service – Puts community needs first, not personal gain A Leader Who Will Listen - A true leader listens to the needs and concerns of their community. They don’t just speak—they hear, understand, and act on what matters most to the people they serve. Empathy – Listens and understands the lived experiences of others Equity & Fairness – Advocates for justice and inclusive policies Vision – Has a clear plan for the future and bold ideas for progress Courage – Willing to speak up and stand firm for what’s right Collaboration – Works well with others to build consensus and deliver results Responsiveness – Stays in touch with the community and acts on concerns

Dedication – Committed, hardworking, and persistent in getting results
I bring a unique blend of experience, compassion, and commitment to public service that I believe will make me an effective and impactful City Council member.

Proven Leadership: With over two decades of experience in community organizing, government, teaching, and immigration law, I know how to bring people together, build coalitions, and turn ideas into action.

Deep Commitment to Equity and Justice: I’ve spent my career advocating for working families, immigrants, seniors, and small business owners—always with the goal of making sure no one is left behind. I understand the challenges our communities face because I’ve lived them and worked alongside those impacted the most.

Strong Listener and Problem Solver: I believe that good leadership starts with listening. I take the time to hear from residents, understand their concerns, and work collaboratively to find solutions that are practical, equitable, and forward-thinking.

Frontline Experience: As a Public Health Advisor during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was on the ground helping people navigate one of the hardest times in recent history. That experience strengthened my resolve to fight for better healthcare, housing, and public safety for all New Yorkers.

Labor and Workers’ Rights Advocate: I’ve helped create one of the few fully unionized City Council offices and fought for fair wages and protections for staffers across city government. I’ll bring that same dedication to protecting the rights of all workers in our city.

Above all, I am rooted in the community—I show up, I listen, and I lead with integrity. I’m not afraid to challenge the status quo if it means creating real change for the people I serve.
Representing Constituents

Listening to and acting in the best interest of the people who elect you—ensuring their voices are heard in all decisions.

Creating and Enforcing Laws Proposing, debating, and passing laws that promote fairness, justice, and the well-being of the community. Also, ensuring laws are applied equitably and effectively.

Fiscal Responsibility Managing public funds responsibly—ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently, with transparency and accountability.

Advocating for Community Needs Fighting for policies and resources that address the most pressing issues in the community, such as healthcare, education, housing, and public safety.

Building Partnerships Collaborating with other leaders, organizations, and the public to achieve long-term solutions to the community’s challenges.

Transparency and Accountability Being open with constituents about decisions, policies, and actions. Ensuring a high level of accountability and being responsive to public concerns.

Promoting Equity and Justice Championing policies that create fair opportunities for everyone, addressing systemic inequalities, and advocating for marginalized communities.

Upholding Ethical Standards

Maintaining integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior in every aspect of decision-making and leadership.
I want to leave a legacy of service, equity, and empowerment.

I hope to be remembered as someone who stood up for working people, listened deeply to the needs of the community, and took bold, meaningful action that led to real, lasting change. Whether it’s expanding affordable housing, protecting seniors and veterans, supporting small businesses, or creating career opportunities for young people, my mission is to uplift and strengthen families for generations to come.

I want my legacy to reflect a leader who didn’t just hold office, but who used the platform to build power with the people—not just for them. I hope to inspire the next generation of leaders—especially young women, immigrants, and those from underserved communities to know their voices matter, and that they, too, belong in spaces of power.

Ultimately, I want to leave behind a community that is stronger, safer, more just, and more united—because I was here, and because I never stopped fighting for it.
wo major historical events that have left a lasting impact on me are 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

I was 23 years old when 9/11 happened. I remember the shock, the fear, and the deep sense of grief that swept across the country—but also the incredible moments of unity and resilience that followed. It was a time that reshaped how we understood safety, global politics, and our shared humanity. That experience taught me about the fragility of life and the strength of communities when they come together in the face of tragedy.

Years later, at 39, I lived through another transformative event: the COVID-19 pandemic. As someone who worked on the frontlines during that time, I witnessed not only the devastation it brought, but also the determination and compassion of everyday people. It highlighted the urgent need for strong public health systems, equitable access to resources, and leadership that puts people first.

Both events shaped my values and reinforced my belief in the importance of community, empathy, and action especially during times of crisis. They are part of what drives my commitment to public service and fighting for the well-being of working families, seniors, and small businesses today.
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Shirley Aldebol (Democratic, Working Families)

Her first job out of college was working as a child welfare caseworker for New York City. She quickly became involved with her union, SSEU Local 371, and hasn’t left the labor movement since. Two years into working for Local 371, Shirley was promoted to Executive Vice President.
Her first job out of college was working as a child welfare caseworker for New York City. She quickly became involved with her union, SSEU Local 371, and hasn’t left the labor movement since. Two years into working for Local 371, Shirley was promoted to Executive Vice President.
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Shirley Aldebol (Working Families)

Her first job out of college was working as a child welfare caseworker for New York City. She quickly became involved with her union, SSEU Local 371, and hasn’t left the labor movement since. Two years into working for Local 371, Shirley was promoted to Executive Vice President.
My first job as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher spanned seven incredible years, during which I had the opportunity to teach at a variety of settings, including community centers, colleges, and schools. This experience was not just a job but a journey that shaped my understanding of education, language, and the power of connection.

Teaching in community centers was my introduction to ESL, and it was an eye-opening experience. Many of my students came from diverse backgrounds, with different educational histories and language skills. Some were immigrants seeking to improve their English for work or to integrate into their communities, while others were refugees rebuilding their lives. It was in this setting that I realized the importance of not just teaching language but also supporting my students in their emotional and social transitions. The community centers became more than just places to learn—they were spaces for cultural exchange, personal growth, and empowerment. From there, I had the privilege of teaching in colleges, where I worked with older students who were often focused on improving their English to pursue further academic studies or career goals. These students were motivated and hardworking, and I loved helping them build the skills needed for success in higher education. Teaching in this environment allowed me to focus on academic writing, critical thinking, and advanced conversational skills. It was rewarding to see students improve their fluency and confidence, enabling them to tackle complex topics in English and succeed in their academic pursuits.

I also taught in schools, where I worked with younger students. This was an entirely different experience, as I had to adjust my teaching methods to engage a younger audience and keep them motivated. The challenge of working with children was incredibly rewarding, as it often required creativity in making lessons both fun and educational.
"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. It's one of those books that inspires people to follow their dreams and trust their own journey, no matter how difficult the path may seem. The way it mixes personal growth with a sense of adventure is really powerful. It shows human connection, resilience, and growth, which is such a powerful combination.
Wonder Woman is an iconic character—strong, compassionate, and always fighting for justice. She’s a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and fairness, and she doesn’t hesitate to stand up for the vulnerable. Plus, her ability to balance strength with kindness is pretty inspiring.
CeCe Winans - Goodness of God is such an uplifting and powerful song. It’s one of those songs that has a way of sticking with you, especially with its message of grace and goodness.
One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced in my life has been navigating systems that weren’t built for people like me as a woman, as a person of color, and as someone deeply rooted in community work. Whether in education, the workforce, or public service, I’ve often had to fight to be heard, to be respected, and to earn a seat at the table.

There were times when resources were limited, opportunities were scarce, and I felt the constant pressure to prove myself more than others. But those challenges didn’t hold me back they shaped my resilience, sharpened my voice, and deepened my commitment to lifting up my community and those who are often overlooked.

That struggle taught me the importance of creating space for others, of leading with empathy and courage, and of fighting for equity, advocacy, and opportunity especially for the next generation of leaders in our community.
Yes, there are several little-known powers and responsibilities that a City Council office holds, which many people might not be fully aware of. That have a direct impact on their lives and community, and it’s important to highlight them because they play a key role in shaping communities. Here are some of those hidden responsibilities:

Zoning and Land Use Decisions - Determines how land can be developed (residential, commercial, industrial). Influences affordable housing, local businesses, and neighborhood development. Budget Approval and Allocation - Approves the city's budget, including funding for education, health services, public infrastructure, and community programs.

Legislative Powers Beyond Passing Laws - Introduces and passes local ordinances on issues like noise, safety, business regulations, tenant protections, and minimum wage.
Yes, it can be beneficial for holders of city government office to have previous experience in government or politics. Here’s a breakdown of why experience can be valuable.

Understanding of the System - Government and political structures are complex. Having prior experience helps elected officials navigate bureaucratic processes, understand the legislative framework, and be familiar with how policies are made and implemented. This knowledge can lead to more effective and efficient decision-making. Building Relationships and Networks Experience often means having established connections with other elected officials, community leaders, and organizations. These relationships can be valuable when it comes to advocating for the community and securing resources or support for key initiatives. Policy Expertise Prior experience in government or politics often provides a deeper understanding of specific policy areas, such as budgeting, public safety, education, or housing. This expertise allows officials to make well-informed decisions and contribute to more comprehensive policy development. Navigating Challenges and Crises

Government roles often come with complex challenges and crises that require immediate and strategic responses. Experience can be valuable in understanding how to handle such issues, whether it’s budget deficits, public health emergencies, or large-scale disasters.
Leadership and Decision-Making

Key Skill: The ability to lead with integrity and make difficult decisions, especially in times of crisis or conflict.

Why It’s Important: Effective leaders need to make decisions that reflect the needs of the community while balancing competing interests. Strong leadership ensures that policies are implemented effectively and progress is made on key issues.

Public Policy and Legislative Knowledge Key Skill: A deep understanding of local laws, policies, and the legislative process is critical.

Why It’s Important: A solid grasp of how policies are created, debated, and passed helps elected officials advocate for and enact meaningful change. This expertise allows them to understand the implications of their decisions and ensure laws are enforceable.

Effective Communication Key Skill: The ability to communicate clearly, both in writing and verbally, to a variety of audiences (constituents, colleagues, media, etc.).

Why It’s Important: Elected officials must convey ideas clearly and persuasively, whether in meetings, speeches, or public forums. They also need to listen carefully to their constituents and relay important information effectively.

Community Engagement and Advocacy Key Skill: The ability to connect with and represent the diverse voices within the community.

Why It’s Important: City officials need to understand the needs and concerns of their constituents and engage with people from all backgrounds. Advocacy skills ensure that community members feel heard, and their concerns are taken seriously when decisions are made.

Collaboration and Teamwork Key Skill: The ability to work effectively with other elected officials, city departments, and external stakeholders, including community organizations and advocacy groups.

Why It’s Important: Much of the work in government involves collaboration—whether it’s securing funding, working on joint initiatives, or creating consensus around legislation. Successful teamwork.
The city government plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives of its residents and maintaining the well-being of the community. The unique qualities of a city government distinguish it from other levels of government and make it an essential part of the local governance system. Here are some key attributes that make city government a unique and important component of local governance:

Close Proximity to the Community - City government is directly connected to residents, allowing for responsive decision-making. Localized Decision-Making and Flexibility City government can create policies tailored to the specific needs of the community Zoning and Urban Planning Authority

City governments shape the physical layout and growth of the city, including housing and business development.
The pastor told the congregation, "Anyone who donates $1,000 can choose the next three hymns." An elderly woman immediately raised her hand and said, "I’ll donate $1,000!" The pastor asked, "What three hymns would you like?" The lady replied, "Him, him, and him!"
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Shirley Aldebol (Democratic, Working Families)

32BJ SEIU, 1199 SEIU, HTC, CWA, PAC LIUNA, MasonTenders, and Bronx Democrats
32BJ SEIU, 1199 SEIU, HTC, CWA, PAC LIUNA, MasonTenders, and Bronx Democrats
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Shirley Aldebol (Working Families)

32BJ SEIU, 1199 SEIU, HTC, CWA, PAC LIUNA, MasonTenders, and Bronx Democrats
At this time, I haven’t received formal endorsements, but my campaign is powered by the people—neighbors, community leaders, working families, and everyday Bronxites who believe in a future built on unity, equity, and action. As the campaign moves forward, I look forward to building meaningful partnerships with organizations and individuals who share that vision and are ready to work toward lasting change.
Financial Transparency

I believe that when public funds are spent, the community has a right to know how every dollar is used. Taxpayer money should be allocated in ways that directly benefit the people, and the process must be clear, accessible, and open to scrutiny. As your elected official, I will ensure budget decisions, spending plans, and financial reports are transparent, allowing you to see exactly where your money is going. This transparency builds trust and ensures that every decision made is for the public good.

Government Accountability

Government must be accountable to the people it serves. This means being open about decisions, responding to community concerns, and being responsible for actions and outcomes. I will hold myself and my office to the highest standard of accountability, making sure that I answer to you. If I make a promise, I’ll keep it, and if things go wrong, I will take responsibility and work to correct them. A government that listens, acts with integrity, and remains answerable to its citizens is one that truly serves its community.



Candidates and election results

Democratic primary election

Democratic Primary for New York City Council District 14

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Pierina Sanchez in round 1 .


Total votes: 10,130
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.


Race information
Incumbent Pierina Sanchez (D) won 67% of the vote against two challengers, including former incumbent Fernando Cabrera (D), who was term-limited in 2021.[4]

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Bryan is tackling the Bronx’s ongoing housing crisis—marked by collapsing buildings, rising rents, and increased fires—by ensuring every family can afford a safe, stable home. He will build more housing that truly meets local income levels, integrating community input and essential services. Through stricter building code enforcement, regular inspections, and improved funding for repairs, Bryan aims to prevent tragedies and protect residents. He’ll also fight to cap skyrocketing water bills and property taxes that drive up rent. Finally, Bryan’s plan expands pathways to homeownership with down payment assistance, low-interest loans, and community land trusts, helping more families stay and thrive in District 14.

Bryan is committed to safer streets in District 14 by combining immediate crime reduction with long-term solutions. He advocates more policing—paired with community engagement, better training, and accountability—to deter crime and build trust. He believes addressing minor offenses prevents larger crimes and supports restoring judicial discretion to handle them effectively. Beyond enforcement, he’ll invest in community-led violence interruption programs and mental health support. Youth engagement is key to his vision, with mentorship, after-school programs, and career training guiding young people toward success and leadership.

Bryan’s plan eases financial burdens on hardworking families by tackling the biggest drivers of high living costs. He will fight to cap water and energy rates so no one must choose between rent and utilities. By expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, Bryan ensures more take-home pay for essentials, like groceries. He will also push to lower grocery prices—cutting fees and supporting local producers—so every family can afford healthy meals. Finally, he’ll protect app-based delivery drivers with fair conditions and platform access. These reforms help lower costs and enable West Bronx families to thrive.
Bryan is passionate about public policies that improve the quality of life for all residents in the West Bronx. Housing is a core focus for him, with a commitment to creating truly affordable, safe homes by addressing collapsing buildings and skyrocketing rents. He also prioritizes public safety, advocating for practical solutions to reduce crime and restore peace in the community. Bryan believes in providing economic relief to hardworking families by expanding tax credits and lowering everyday costs like groceries and utilities. His transportation policies focus on improving bus reliability, expanding “Fair Fares,” and ensuring bike lane safety.
Bryan envisions a legacy where every child in the Northwest Bronx grows up feeling safe, inspired, and supported in reaching their highest aspirations. Drawing on his experiences in the Bronx Supreme Court, the US Congress, and the NYC Council, he seeks to shape policies that not only strengthen family stability—such as affordable housing and improved public safety—but also spark the imaginations of young people through robust educational programs and youth mentorship initiatives.

He recognizes that the complex levers of government can sometimes hinder opportunity, so he strives to use his legal and political acumen to open doors instead of closing them. Yet for Bryan, policy is only part of the story. He wants to meet families where they are, ensuring children have welcoming spaces—whether that’s in local schools, community centers, or public parks—where they can learn, dream, and grow without fear.

Bryan’s ultimate hope is that tomorrow’s generation looks back and sees a community transformed by determined leadership and a collective belief in the limitless potential of every child. By combining the practical know-how of government with a deeply human sense of compassion, he aims to leave behind neighborhoods where young people thrive, families stay connected, and the next generation feels empowered to shape their own future.
Bryan believes that prior experience in government or politics can be immensely advantageous for anyone seeking public office, especially during challenging times marked by collapsing buildings, surging grocery prices, and escalating violent crime. His own tenure at the NYC Council, combined with his legal education in the Bronx Supreme Court, laid a foundation of practical skills and deep familiarity with governmental processes. By working directly on housing and landlord-tenant issues, and later alongside Congressman Adriano Espaillat in Washington, D.C., he gained critical insight into how to utilize the levers of power to effect meaningful change. For Bryan, however, experience is only one part of the equation. He recognizes that genuine leadership also requires empathy, a strong moral compass, and unwavering dedication to the community. His years of advocacy—organizing essential resources during COVID-19, fighting against injustice in court, and standing up for families who have experienced tragic losses—demonstrate his commitment to serving others. In his view, understanding how to navigate political structures is most effective when paired with the drive to champion equity and justice for all.



Candidates and election results

Democratic primary election

Democratic Primary for New York City Council District 17

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Justin Sanchez in round 4 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.


Total votes: 9,280
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates


Race information
Justin Sanchez (D) defeated three other candidates, winning 62% of the vote after four ranked choice rounds. The seat was left open by term-limited Rafael Salamanca (D).

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Safe and Thriving Neighborhoods: I’m fighting to reduce gun violence, expand youth programs, and hold NYCHA accountable—because every Bronx resident deserves clean, safe, and well-resourced communities.

Truly Affordable Housing: I’ve worked alongside tenants and advocates to push for housing laws that protect us. I’ll fight for deeper affordability, stronger protections, and real NYCHA investments.

Government That Works for Us: I’m not in this for power—I’m in this for people. I’ll make sure city resources reach our neighborhoods, support small businesses, and create career pathways for the next generation.
I’m driven by four interconnected priorities:

1. Truly Affordable Housing—defending NYCHA, strengthening rent laws, and ending luxury tax breaks so families can stay in the Bronx.

2. Community-Rooted Safety—funding youth jobs, trauma care, and violence-interruption programs that fight crime at its roots, not just with cuffs.

3. Food & Health Equity—protecting SNAP, expanding universal school meals, and cleaning our air so asthma isn’t a Bronx birthright.

4. Digital Equity & Jobs—bringing affordable broadband and 21st-century careers to every block.
An elected official should be accessible, and rooted in the community they serve. It’s not enough to just show up during election season—we need leaders who listen year-round, act with integrity, and stand up for what’s right even when it’s not easy. I believe in co-governance—working alongside residents, not above them. The most important principle is putting people over politics and being bold enough to challenge systems that fail working-class communities. That’s the standard I hold myself to, and it’s the kind of leadership I’ll bring to City Hall.
A City Council member’s core responsibilities are to legislate, advocate, and deliver. That means passing laws that reflect our community’s needs, fighting for funding and services that improve daily life, and ensuring government works for everyone—not just the well-connected. It also means being present: listening to constituents, showing up in times of crisis, and being accountable to the people you serve. For me, it’s about using every tool—policy, budget, and voice—to uplift working-class neighborhoods like the South Bronx.
I want to leave a legacy of community power—where everyday people in the South Bronx feel seen, heard, and capable of shaping the future of their neighborhoods. I want folks to say, “He didn’t just hold office—he opened the doors wider for all of us.” Whether it’s securing more affordable housing, safer streets, or real investment in our youth, I hope my legacy is one of action, trust, and lasting change that outlives any one term. My goal is to help build a Bronx where staying and thriving is possible for everyone.
Yes—many people don’t realize how much influence City Council members have over the city budget and land use decisions. Council Members help decide how millions in discretionary funding are spent each year—money that can support youth programs, housing support, food access, and more. They also vote on rezonings and developments that shape what gets built in our neighborhoods. These decisions have long-term impacts on affordability, displacement, and community health. That’s why it’s so important to have someone in office who is deeply rooted in the community and accountable to the people—not developers.
My campaign has proudly earned the support of organizations and leaders who know the South Bronx deserves bold, community-rooted leadership. I’m endorsed by 1199SEIU, one of the most powerful healthcare worker unions in the country, and the Working Families Party, which has long fought for justice and equity across New York. I’m also backed by former Assemblymember Michael Blake, a trusted voice in our district, and RWDSU, which represents retail and service workers. These endorsements reflect our campaign’s deep roots in organizing, advocacy, and the fight for a Bronx that works for all of us.
I believe financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable. Taxpayer dollars should serve the people—not political insiders or special interests. That means clear, accessible budgets, stronger oversight of city agencies, and real consequences for waste, fraud, or corruption. Elected officials must also be transparent about who funds their campaigns and how they make decisions. I support public financing, community-driven budgeting, and regular reporting so constituents can see how their voices—and their dollars—are being used. Trust in government starts with truth.



Candidates and election results

Democratic primary election

Democratic Primary for New York City Council District 21

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Shanel Thomas-Henry in round 4 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.


Total votes: 7,833
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates


Race information
Shanel Thomas-Henry (D) defeated three other candidates, winning 53% of the vote after four ranked choice rounds. The seat was left open by term-limited Francisco Moya (D).

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Leadership that puts community first—not outside interests that see our district as an opportunity, not a neighborhood. I’m running to ensure decisions are made by and for the people who live here. That means expanding affordable housing, supporting union labor, protecting our seniors, and creating real opportunities for youth. I’ve spent decades organizing, advocating, and serving this community—and I’ll continue to fight for fairness, dignity, and a better quality of life for all.

Every family deserves the chance to live and thrive in the community they call home. But rising rents, utility costs, and food prices are pushing working people out. I’m committed to making our district more affordable by expanding truly affordable housing, protecting tenants, ensuring fair wages, and fighting for cost-saving programs for seniors and families. That includes improving access to healthcare, transportation, and support services for older adults. Affordability isn’t just about rent—it’s about opportunity, stability, and dignity for every household in our community.

Safe, clean neighborhoods are the foundation of a strong and thriving community. I believe in a balanced public safety approach that addresses root causes of crime—like lack of youth engagement, mental health support, and job opportunities—through prevention programs, mentorship, and reentry services. I also support our local law enforcement in addressing quality-of-life issues, including unlicensed scooters that endanger pedestrians and the well-documented rise of illegal prostitution. I’ll fight for cleaner streets, stronger services, and lasting safety for every neighborhood.
Public Safety- We can build safer, stronger communities through smart investments.

Affordable Housing - We need a fair and accessible housing system for Queens families.

Economic Development - We have to focus on empowering more workers to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.
I’m passionate about public policies that uplift working families and strengthen communities. That includes affordable housing, labor rights, public safety, senior services, youth development, and environmental justice. As a union member, minister, and lifelong advocate, I’ve seen how policy can either support or stifle opportunity. I’m especially focused on policies that promote equity—ensuring our seniors can age with dignity, our youth can build careers, and our neighborhoods remain affordable, safe, and connected. I believe government should serve people, not profit-driven interests.
Public Safety, Economic Development, Affordable Housing, Land Use and Zoning Reform, and Education & Schools.
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Shanel Thomas-Henry (Democratic, Working Families)

Public Safety, Economic Development, Affordable Housing, Land Use and Zoning Reform, and Education & Schools.
The City Council is the level of government closest to the people—it shapes the daily experience of life in our neighborhoods. While state and federal governments often feel distant, City Council decisions directly affect housing, education, public safety, sanitation, transportation, and how our tax dollars are spent. What makes this position unique is its ability to respond swiftly to community needs, propose and pass local legislation, and hold city agencies accountable. City Council Members serve as both legislators and neighborhood advocates. They help navigate city services, resolve constituent concerns, and fight for equitable resources across districts. In a city as large and diverse as New York, this role is vital to ensuring local voices are heard and respected in the broader state and legal framework. A strong Council Member helps bridge the gap between government and the people—bringing urgency, empathy, and accountability to the heart of policymaking.
An elected official must lead with integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the people—not personal ambition or outside influence. The most important characteristics are honesty, humility, and the courage to speak up for what’s right, even when it's not popular. An official should be accessible, transparent, and willing to listen—not just to the loudest voices, but to those who are often overlooked. Leadership means putting community first, standing firm on principles, and making decisions rooted in fairness, compassion, and long-term impact—not short-term gain.
Integrity and hard work.
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Shanel Thomas-Henry (Democratic, Working Families)

Integrity and hard work.
As a young teenager, I remember being forced to attend church—but what I didn’t realize then was that moment would lead to something life-changing. A church member offered to sponsor me to attend a civil rights youth conference in Albany. That experience opened my eyes. For the first time, I was surrounded by people my age who were deeply engaged, thoughtful, and motivated. It offered me an alternative vision of what life could be.

From that experience, I learned just how powerful one person’s compassion and involvement can be. One act of kindness, one opportunity, can turn a dimly lit life into one filled with brilliance. I believe I am a product of that truth.

My faith has guided me throughout my life—even when the path wasn't clear. It’s that foundation, and the belief in leading with compassion, that I carry with me into public service. I know that when we give our communities—and especially our children—the right exposure, support, and belief, we unlock their brilliance. That’s the kind of leadership I bring: rooted in faith, shaped by experience, and committed to helping every family in our district realize their full potential.
The core responsibility of a City Council Member is to serve as a true steward of the community—to be the voice of the people and a champion for those who are often left behind. It’s not just about passing legislation or attending meetings; it’s about understanding the everyday struggles of families, seniors, and working people, and doing the hard, consistent work to bring change that matters.

So many people who were born and raised in our neighborhoods—who helped build these communities with their hands, their families, and their faith—can no longer afford to stay here. Young adults can’t find housing they can afford, and retirees who worked their whole lives now feel like strangers in the very neighborhoods they helped shape. That should never be acceptable.

One of the most sacred responsibilities of this office is to ensure that people can live with dignity and stability—not just survive, but thrive in the communities they love. That means fighting for affordable housing that actually meets the needs of working people, advocating for fair wages, standing up to developers who disregard community input, and improving the quality of life for seniors who feel like the city they built is slipping away from them.

It also means being present. Listening. Responding. Working not for headlines or political gain, but for results that improve real lives. This role demands courage, compassion, and a constant connection to the people. That is what leadership should look like—and that is what I intend to bring to this office every single day.
Dedication to their constituents and delivering services for the community.
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Shanel Thomas-Henry (Democratic, Working Families)

Dedication to their constituents and delivering services for the community.
While previous experience in government can be helpful, what truly matters is a proven commitment to the people and a track record of leadership rooted in service—not politics. I believe that firsthand experience navigating real-life challenges—raising a family, working in the private sector, organizing in the community, and advocating for those often left out of the political process—is just as valuable, if not more. Government experience without community connection can lead to disconnected leadership. What we need are public servants who know how to listen, build trust, and get results. I bring years of experience on the ground—organizing programs, leading advocacy efforts, serving on boards, and being elected by this district to represent them on the State Democratic Committee. I understand how to work within systems, but more importantly, I know how to challenge them when they fail the people.
The most effective City Council Members combine real-world experience with a deep understanding of community needs. I believe that strong communication, budgeting, negotiation, and project management skills are essential in navigating city services and complex legislation. My own background in supervising large commercial construction projects across the city—where I’ve collaborated with hundreds of unique individuals—gives me a proven advantage in building coalitions and managing diverse teams. Beyond technical skills, lived experience matters. Representing working families, advocating for union workers, and listening to both the voices of those paying rent and those caring for elders are key. It’s not about a resume of titles; it’s about connecting with people, challenging inequities, and delivering tangible results. I’m committed to using this blend of technical expertise, leadership, and genuine community passion to serve our district effectively.
The City Council is unique because it sits at the intersection of government and everyday life. It’s the level of leadership closest to the people, where decisions are made that directly affect housing, public safety, sanitation, education, and local economic development. What makes this office especially important is its dual role: crafting legislation that shapes the future of the city while also serving as a hands-on advocate for constituents. This office has the power to uplift neighborhoods or allow them to fall through the cracks. It requires someone who understands how city agencies work, how to get results, and how to be present in the lives of the people they serve. It’s not just a legislative seat—it’s a bridge between government and community. That’s why experience, accessibility, and accountability matter so deeply in this role. When done right, it can transform lives block by block.
Financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable. Our communities deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent, who is benefiting from public contracts, and whether services are being delivered fairly and efficiently. Too often, decisions are made behind closed doors or influenced by special interests that have no stake in our neighborhoods. As someone who has spent decades in the private workforce and in grassroots advocacy, I believe that trust is earned through honesty, consistency, and clear communication. I will push for public budgeting that is easy to understand, community-inclusive, and regularly updated. I support audits of city agencies, stronger oversight of developer deals, and full disclosure of lobbying activity. The people who live here, pay taxes here, and raise families here have a right to see where every dollar goes—and to hold their elected officials accountable when promises are broken.
Bringing thousands of jobs to residents in our community.
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Shanel Thomas-Henry (Democratic, Working Families)

Bringing thousands of jobs to residents in our community.



Candidates and election results

Democratic primary election

Democratic Primary for New York City Council District 28

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Tyrell Hankerson in round 5 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.


Total votes: 14,132
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.


Race information
Ty Hankerson (D) defeated four other candidates, winning 59% of the vote after five ranked choice rounds. The seat was left open by term-limited New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D).

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

No candidate in this race completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.


Candidates and election results

Democratic primary election

Democratic Primary for New York City Council District 30

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Phil Wong in round 3 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.


Total votes: 12,804
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.


Race information
Phil Wong (D) defeated two other candidates, winning 52% of the vote after three ranked choice rounds. The seat was left open by term-limited Robert Holden (D).

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Public Safety is above all else in my candidacy for New York City Council District 30. Our neighborhoods need a criminal justice system that will keep repeat criminals in handcuffs and not let them go free in a matter of hours. The NYPD and our first responders need the proper resources from the city to do their jobs, and not having this sweeping support will continue to leave people questioning if they are truly safe on the street. Support for law enforcement means safer streets, and that only boosts the quality of life in our neighborhoods.

I aim to bring a sense of stewardship back to our New York City Parks. These green spaces provide a space for hardworking families, older adults, and more residents to enjoy the outdoors. Not only does it boost physical health, but mental health as well. I’ve seen how constant littering, unpermitted parties, and vandalism have taken hold in our parks, and it must stop now. If people aren’t comfortable spending time in our parks, then community engagement falls, and that will not be acceptable in my candidacy.

The cost of living in New York City has reached record highs in recent years, making it extremely difficult for any working-class family to live comfortably. Access to affordable produce, building materials, and amenities needs to return to normal. The key to balancing our costs is to support our small businesses. By promoting fixed long-term leases and working with city agencies to provide adequate support, we can help give the right businesses the financial means to help us afford our basic needs. This same issue falls in-line with making sure residents aren’t paying for projects not approved by our neighbors, such as congestion pricing and the City of Yes.
When I first began the Middle Village Platers Roller Hockey League, I couldn’t help but notice all of the problems facing Juniper Valley Park. The James Bohan Hockey Rink, located within Juniper Park, was full of random graffiti, garbage, and debris from around the park. It took months to get the rink back into shape for the kids, and seeing the once-neglected park space return to its former glory fueled my passion for our New York City Parks. I want to take what I did at Juniper Park and share it with the rest of the district. Our parks are our neighborhoods’ backyards. They act as a crucial space for families and children in our community, and we need someone who will be willing to fight to keep these spaces clean and safe.
My idol has always been Benjamin Franklin for his ability to make contributions in a wide variety of ways and leading by example in doing so. As a publisher, scientist, inventor, diplomat, and Founding Father, he found a multitude of ways to contribute to his country and showed us how to live up to the ideal of what an American should be. Like Ben Franklin, I aim to find a myriad of ways to contribute to my community beyond my responsibilities in public service.
Our elected officials need to be accountable for their actions. When politicians allow out-of-district organizations and private entities to become key stakeholders in our democratic process, it always gets in the way of providing for our neighbors. I can promise that I will never become beholden to any outside forces that attempt to take advantage of the community, and I will remain committed to advocating for all our neighbors who live in the district.



Candidates and election results

Democratic primary election

Democratic Primary for New York City Council District 38

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Alexa Aviles in round 1 .


Total votes: 14,322
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.


Race information
Incumbent Alexa Aviles (D) defeated Ling Ye (D) 72%-28%. This was Aviles' first primary challenge since redistricting in 2023.[13]

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

No candidate in this race completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.


Candidates and election results

Democratic primary election

Democratic Primary for New York City Council District 39

The following candidates advanced in the ranked-choice voting election: Shahana Hanif in round 1 .


Total votes: 46,517
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.


Race information
Incumbent Shahana Hanif (D) defeated two other candidates, winning 70% of the vote to second-place finisher Maya Kornberg's 26%. City & State New York's Sahalie Donaldson, Annie McDonough, and Holly Pretsky wrote before the election, "Both Council Member Shahana Hanif and challenger Maya Kornberg say that their primary election shouldn’t be about Israel or the war in Gaza. The New York City Council has no real power to influence the conflict. But in the Democratic primary in one of the city’s bluest City Council districts, that subject continues to come to the forefront."[4]

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Abolish Zoning and Build More. Build More Housing, Build More Parks, Build More Commercial Space For Small Businesses, Build More Schools, Build More Community Centers, Build More.

Save Small Business. We need to create a system that makes it easy to understand the process to start a new business and also we need to do everything we can do reduce startup costs.

Reforming NYPD, the criminal justice system, and kicking out ICE.
All the listed public polices above and mass transit and environmentalism.
I look up to my parents. I admire the way they have lived their lives, their values, and they way they treat others.
I believe that the most important characteristics are transparency. If you are elected by the people to represent them then it is the responsibility of the elected official to be open and receptive to those people to prove that you are doing your duty and representing them and putting them before yourself. Not many politicians do this and that is why I believe we have such widespread contempt for government.
My best quality is relationship building and problem solving. I am skilled at analyzing problems and finding solutions by asking for the help of others and by a group effort finding a way to succeed. That is what government is all about, identifying issues in the city, using the resources and expertise of different people to create a solution, and working with others to implement that solution to improve the city.
The key responsibilities are to make sure they are listening to all the constituents in their district and doing their best to help make their lives easier.
My goal is to reduce the role of government in people’s lives and business. If I am successful at this than I believe the city will be better off and quality of life will improve. But it won’t be due to anything I do, it will be due to unleashing the power of the citizens of this great city. So what I am trying to say is that if people don’t remember me or anything I did, but the city got better, than that will be a success.
I was a dishwasher at a local restaurant my junior year of high school.
Napoleon by Alan Forest. I find him to be one of the most fascinating and tragic characters in human history.
Why would I want to be a fictional character when I am already me?
You Dropped A Bomb On Me - The Gap Band
Life in general has been a struggle at times, but I always find a way to face the challenges and come out stronger on the other end.
My favorite joke is telling someone they have a stain on their shirt and when they look down, I flick them in nose. It’s a classic.
The government needs to be more transparent and held accountable from the federal level down to the local level. If I am elected I will make sure information about how every penny is being spent is easy accessible to everyone.


Campaign finance

Candidates in this election submitted campaign finance reports to the New York City Campaign Finance Board. Click here to access those reports.

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About the city

See also: New York, New York

New York City is a city in New York and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. As of 2020, its population was 8,804,190.

City government

See also: Mayor-council government

The city of New York uses a strong mayor and city council system. In this form of municipal government, the city council serves as the city's primary legislative body and the mayor serves as the city's chief executive. The mayor and city council each serve four-year terms.

Demographics

The following table displays demographic data provided by the United States Census Bureau.

Demographic Data for New York, New York
New York New York
Population 8,804,190 20,201,249
Land area (sq mi) 300 47,123
Race and ethnicity**
White 41.3% 62.3%
Black/African American 23.8% 15.4%
Asian 14.3% 8.6%
Native American 0.4% 0.4%
Pacific Islander 0.1% 0%
Other (single race) N/A 8.6%
Multiple 5.6% 4.7%
Hispanic/Latino 28.9% 19.1%
Education
High school graduation rate 82.8% 87.2%
College graduation rate 39.1% 37.5%
Income
Median household income $67,046 $71,117
Persons below poverty level 17.3% 13.6%
Source: population provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "Decennial Census" (2020). Other figures provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2015-2020).
**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.


2025 battleground elections

See also: Battlegrounds

This was a battleground election. Other 2025 battleground elections included:

See also

New York, New York New York Municipal government Other local coverage
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External links

Footnotes