New York City, November 14, 2025
New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher has announced his candidacy for New York’s 12th Congressional District, aiming to succeed retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler. Bottcher emphasizes his commitment to addressing political corruption and has a track record of expanding mental health services and increasing housing availability. His entry into the race joins a competitive Democratic primary field comprising several notable candidates. The election is set for November 3, 2026, following Nadler’s decision to step down after over three decades in Congress.
New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher has announced his candidacy for New York’s 12th Congressional District, entering a competitive Democratic primary to succeed the retiring U.S. Representative Jerry Nadler.
Bottcher, 46, has represented Manhattan’s West Side neighborhoods—including Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, and parts of Midtown and Flatiron—in the City Council since 2022. He is the only openly gay candidate in the race and emphasizes his commitment to combating what he describes as “corruption, chaos, cruelty, and incompetence” in the current political climate. Bottcher’s campaign highlights his legislative achievements, such as expanding mental health services in homeless shelters and supporting large-scale rezonings to increase housing availability in his district.
His entry adds to a growing field of contenders for the seat, which spans the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Midtown, Hell’s Kitchen, Central Park, Union Square, Chelsea, and Stuyvesant Town. Other declared candidates include Assembly Members Micah Lasher and Alex Bores, nonprofit founder Liam Elkind, journalist and attorney Jami Floyd, and Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy. The Democratic primary is expected to be highly competitive, with the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Representative Nadler, 78, announced in September that he would not seek re-election after over 30 years in Congress, citing the desire to pass the torch to a new generation. His decision has opened the field for potential successors, leading to a surge of interest in the district’s congressional seat.
The 12th Congressional District encompasses a diverse and densely populated area of Manhattan, making it a coveted position for political aspirants. The upcoming primary is anticipated to be a significant event in New York City’s political landscape, with candidates vying to represent a constituency that includes some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Erik Bottcher?
Erik Bottcher is a 46-year-old New York City Council Member representing Manhattan’s West Side neighborhoods, including Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, and parts of Midtown and Flatiron. He has been serving in the City Council since 2022 and is the only openly gay candidate in the race for New York’s 12th Congressional District.
What are Erik Bottcher’s key campaign focuses?
Bottcher’s campaign emphasizes combating “corruption, chaos, cruelty, and incompetence” in the current political climate. His legislative achievements include expanding mental health services in homeless shelters and supporting large-scale rezonings to increase housing availability in his district.
Who are the other candidates in the Democratic primary for New York’s 12th Congressional District?
Other declared candidates include Assembly Members Micah Lasher and Alex Bores, nonprofit founder Liam Elkind, journalist and attorney Jami Floyd, and Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy. The Democratic primary is expected to be highly competitive, with the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Why is Representative Jerry Nadler not seeking re-election?
Representative Nadler, 78, announced in September that he would not seek re-election after over 30 years in Congress, citing the desire to pass the torch to a new generation. His decision has opened the field for potential successors, leading to a surge of interest in the district’s congressional seat.
What areas does New York’s 12th Congressional District cover?
The 12th Congressional District encompasses a diverse and densely populated area of Manhattan, including the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Midtown, Hell’s Kitchen, Central Park, Union Square, Chelsea, and Stuyvesant Town.
Key Features of the 12th Congressional District
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Geographic Coverage | Encompasses the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Midtown, Hell’s Kitchen, Central Park, Union Square, Chelsea, and Stuyvesant Town in Manhattan. |
| Population Density | One of the most densely populated districts in New York City, representing a diverse and vibrant constituency. |
| Political Landscape | Historically a Democratic stronghold, with a history of electing representatives who advocate for progressive policies and urban development. |
| Notable Landmarks | Includes iconic locations such as Central Park, Union Square, and the Chelsea neighborhood, known for its cultural and artistic significance. |
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