Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the New York City Democratic Socialists of America, is reportedly facing eviction after failing to pay several months of rent. Sources indicate that he owes his landlord, Shimon Liashi, a total of $7,500 for skipping out on three consecutive payments of $2,500 each for an apartment in Crown Heights.
At 38, Gordillo is described as the son of a wealthy Florida construction executive. Court records show he moved into a one-bedroom apartment on Eastern Parkway in May 2025, while renovations were underway at a townhouse estimated to be worth $1.5 million, which was a gift from his father.
Gordillo has been accused of treating his rent obligations lightly, often making late payments only after multiple months had piled up. His landlord filed a lawsuit in Brooklyn housing court in March after Gordillo missed payments in December and January. There has been no response from Gordillo to the lawsuit yet, which is still unresolved in the courts.
NYC Councilwoman Vickie Paladino commented on the situation, expressing that this behavior is not surprising given what she perceives as the entitlement of certain wealthy members of the DSA. She criticized those who advocate for social justice while failing to take responsibility for their own financial obligations.
Interestingly, Gordillo advocates for abolishing rent and landlords as part of his socialist beliefs, yet he found himself unable to manage his own rent payments. His apartment was rented to someone else by May, according to records.
Critics have pointed out the contradiction in Gordillo’s stance. They argue that he seems to offer radical economic ideas while living comfortably off the wealth provided by his family. His father, Gustavo E. Gordillo, who runs a telecommunications firm, confirmed he purchased the townhouse for his sons to reside in. The property has significantly appreciated in value since its purchase.
Despite these wealth connections, Gordillo has strongly criticized the return rates on property investments, calling for the banning of double-digit returns as part of his leftist agenda. Ironically, the townhouse, bought for $935,000, has seen dramatic value increases since then.
In 2022, Gordillo claimed at a DSA meeting that housing courts do not effectively address the need to “abolish landlords” and that the system merely alleviates harm temporarily.
His recent advocacy efforts seem to include expanding his leadership role in the DSA, a position for which he recently requested a $95,000 salary, claiming it was hard to balance with his supposed work as an electrician. Notably, Gordillo does not have experience as a working electrician and was reportedly expelled from the electricians’ union for non-payment of dues.
Gordillo has previously made political contributions and publicly represented a persona of activism while simultaneously enjoying a lifestyle supported by significant financial resources, including high-end vacations. Amid responses to his actions, community policy adviser Sara Forman remarked on the incongruity of his lifestyle with the Marxist principles he espouses.
Both Gordillo and his father did not respond to inquiries regarding these developments.
