Six out LGBTQ candidates – all endorsed by Victory Fund – won their Democratic primaries for New York City Council seats, all of which are extremely likely to win their November general elections in the heavily Democratic city. If all six are elected, the New York City Council will increase its LGBTQ members from the four who are currently serving.
Among the winners are Crystal Hudson and Kristin Richardson Jordan, who are likely to become the first Black out LGBTQ women elected to the council. Chi Ossé is also likely to become the youngest person ever elected to the council. Also victorious were Erik Bottcher, Tiffany Cabán and Lynn Schulman.
All four current LGBTQ members of the New York City Council are termed out this year, which had created some concern LGBTQ representation on the council would diminish come November. But the primary victories make that scenario unlikely.
“New York City’s slate of LGBTQ council candidates are a reflection of the city they aim to represent, and many will make political history when elected in November,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund. “New York City’s LGBTQ community and communities of color are uniquely impacted by the effects of the pandemic, making these six LGBTQ leaders critical to ensuring equitable policies that help all New Yorkers recover. It is a transformational moment for New York City and the ideal time for the council’s LGBT Caucus to grow.”
The six LGBTQ council candidates endorsed by LGBTQ Victory Fund who won primaries are:
- Erik Bottcher (District 3): Would preserve LGBTQ representation in the 3rd district, a legacy seat that is home to the Stonewall Inn.
- Tiffany Cabán (District 22): Would be the first out LGBTQ person elected to the 22nd District seat.
- Crystal Hudson (District 35): Would be the first Black out LGBTQ woman elected to the council (along with Kristin Richardson Jordan, if she wins her election too).
- Chi Ossé (District 36): Would be the youngest person ever elected to the council.
- Kristin Richardson Jordan (District 9): Would be the first Black out LGBTQ woman elected to the council (along with Crystal Hudson, if she wins her election too).
- Lynn Schulman (District 29): Would be the first out queer woman elected to any public office from Queens, along with Tiffany Cabán.
More information about all of Victory Fund’s endorsed candidates is available at victoryfund.org/ourcandidates. Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of openly LGBTQ candidates win local, state and federal elections.
