Eric Bottcher Announces Candidacy for Manhattan Assembly Seat
City Councilman Eric Bottcher has declared his intent to run for the Manhattan Assembly seat left vacant by retiring U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler. He joins a competitive field of Democratic candidates that features Jack Schlossberg, a Kennedy heir.
Bottcher, 46, is an openly gay Democrat who aims to secure support from voters across neighborhoods like Hudson Square, West Village, Chelsea, and Times Square, among others. These areas are not just political battlegrounds; they also happen to be his home within the 12th Congressional District.
Reflecting on his journey, Bottcher shared that relocating to New York City profoundly changed his life. “Moving here saved my life,” he mentioned. Growing up in the more secluded Adirondacks, Bottcher faced isolation, bullying, and even suicidal thoughts. In his campaign video, he expressed gratitude for finding acceptance in NYC. “I have dedicated my life to giving back to the city that saved me,” he added.
Expressing his commitment to social justice, Bottcher has taken a firm stance against bullying, even targeting President Trump and other Republicans in his remarks. He emphasized his unique qualifications within the LGBT community, which he believes set him apart from Schlossberg. The latter identified himself as “very straight” when discussing their differences.
Other contenders in the primary include Congressman Micah Lasher, former financial executive Alan Purdy, nonprofit leader Liam Elkind, and attorney Jami Floyd. Notably, Lasher has garnered support from Nadler’s political network, which adds another layer of complexity to the race.
Commenting on Bottcher’s influences, Allen Rothkopf, an influential LGBT activist, described him as a candidate with intelligence and a deep caring for the community. “Eric is one of the smartest people I know,” he said, praising Bottcher’s progressive stance and impressive track record.
Bottcher has been an active player in the civil rights movement over the years, notably working alongside then-Governor Andrew Cuomo to pass New York’s same-sex marriage law before it was legalized nationwide. Steve Cohen, a former aide to Cuomo, noted Bottcher’s key role in the passage of the Marriage Equality Act in 2011, highlighting his determination and compassion.
With his strong ties to the community and a commitment to advocacy, Bottcher embodies a blend of focus and warmth shaped by his upbringing. His willingness to engage in controversial issues has also been evident; for instance, he supported a campaign to ban horse-drawn carriages despite facing pushback from industry factions.
Before being elected to the City Council, Bottcher worked as chief of staff for former City Council President Corey Johnson, adding to his extensive political resume.
