Council Member Erik Bottcher is seeking reelection in an uncontested race on the west side of Manhattan. In a district that includes the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ movement at Julius’ and the Stonewall Inn, as well as the current queer neighborhoods of Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen, Bottcher is a proud gay representative who sought opportunity and authenticity in New York. He is now proactive in seeking to ensure New York City can actually be the haven for the marginalized that most believe it should be.

While not competitive, Bottcher’s reelection campaign is notable for the assertiveness with which he has challenged conventional politics in lower Manhattan, especially in the Greenwich Village and West Village parts of the district. In these areas, little to no new housing has been built for many years, and historic townhouses that once housed multiple families have been combined into single-family homes for the wealthy. But when it comes to contributing new homes to add to the city’s supply, many powerful local residents come out in strong opposition.

In this context, Bottcher has been a leader, offering pro-housing arguments—attempting to create a pro-housing caucus alongside Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso—and supporting the City of Yes for Housing plan to create 80,000 more homes across the city. He has connected the dots between dense, walkable neighborhoods and climate mitigation. Further, the district includes NYCHA housing at Fulton and Chelsea-Elliott, where a controversial but critical plan to build brand new homes for longtime public housing residents while replacing the old buildings with new homes for other New Yorkers is facing pushback. A strong showing for a pro-housing council member will be important to show community support for forward-looking policies.

Beyond housing, Bottcher has been focused on issues related to mental health and sanitation. In some cases, he is more responsive to the voices in the district opposed to new uses of the streetscape, including co-sponsoring a misguided bill to require licensure and registration for e-bikers and voting against permanent outdoor dining. Still, overall, Bottcher is a valued voice in the district and council.