7 hours ago
Gay NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher Shifts from Congressional Bid to State Senate Race for Key Manhattan Seat
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New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher, an openly gay politician representing District 3 in Manhattan—including neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, Chelsea, and Hell's Kitchen—made headlines on December 22, 2025, by announcing his withdrawal from the competitive Democratic primary for New York's 12th Congressional District. Instead, Bottcher declared his candidacy for the New York State Senate's 47th District seat, currently held by Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who will vacate the position on January 1, 2026, to assume the role of Manhattan Borough President.
Bottcher, who serves as co-chair of the New York City Council's LGBTQIA+ Caucus, explained his strategic pivot in a public statement. “This decision is rooted in where I believe I can do the most good immediately,” he said. “The State Senate is where critical decisions are being made on housing affordability, addressing the mental health crisis, safeguarding our environment, and defending New York from the Trump agenda. At a moment when MAGA extremists are attacking our freedoms and undermining democracy, strong state leadership matters more than ever.”
The congressional race Bottcher is exiting became open after longtime Rep. Jerrold Nadler, aged 78, announced he would not seek reelection at the end of his term in 2026. Bottcher had filed to run in October 2025, quickly raising nearly $700,000 in the first 24 hours after launching his fundraising committee and securing endorsements from prominent LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, including Equality PAC and the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. However, the field grew crowded with at least nine candidates, including Assembly Members Micah Lasher—seen as Nadler's heir apparent—Alex Bores, Kennedy family member Jack Schlossberg, and activist Cameron Kasky. Bottcher's departure is expected to bolster Lasher's position among West Side Democrats.
In contrast, the state Senate contest offers Bottcher a clearer path. Hoylman-Sigal's seat, covering parts of Manhattan's West Side, will be filled via a special election in early 2026, likely February, with no public primary. Instead, the Democratic nominee will be selected internally by local Democratic clubs in a process reminiscent of historical party machines. In this heavily Democratic district, securing the nomination would virtually guarantee victory in the general election. Potential rivals, such as Assembly Members Linda Rosenthal and Tony Simone, had expressed interest, with Rosenthal previously viewed as the frontrunner. Bottcher's entry suggests shifts in their plans, driven by collegiality among local Democrats, though neither could be reached for immediate comment following the announcement.
Born on May 9, 1979, Bottcher has built a career as a progressive activist and public servant focused on his district's diverse communities, including significant LGBTQ+ populations. First elected to the City Council in June 2023 via ranked-choice voting, he defeated challenger Arthur Schwartz with 71% of the final tally after leading with 47% on election night. He was recently re-elected in November 2025, defeating an independent opponent decisively.
As co-chair of the Council's LGBTQIA+ Caucus, Bottcher has championed inclusive policies supporting transgender people, nonbinary individuals, and all LGBTQ+ community members. His legislative record includes advocating for on-site mental health services in family shelters and suicide prevention resources in schools, addressing crises that disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ youth and families. Bottcher has also pushed platforms tackling serious mental illness, sanitation issues, and job opportunities for public housing residents and those in poverty.
A Bottcher victory in the Senate special election would trigger another special election in spring 2026 for his Council seat. Meanwhile, the congressional race continues to draw high-profile entrants, such as George Conway, a vocal Trump critic who filed on the same day as Bottcher's announcement. This reshuffling underscores the dynamic nature of Manhattan politics amid broader national shifts.
LGBTQ+ advocates view Bottcher's candidacy as a vital opportunity to maintain strong representation in Albany, where state-level protections for transgender rights, gender-affirming care, and anti-discrimination measures face ongoing challenges. His prior endorsements from groups like the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund signal continued support from national networks. As the Democratic club selection process unfolds, Bottcher's experience and rapid fundraising prowess position him favorably.
