LGBTQ candidates compete in New York City’s general election races
LGBTQ candidates are running for office in general election races across New York City, though several are running unopposed — and some of the most competitive races involving LGBTQ candidates are taking place in the city’s suburbs. In the State Senate, the only two out members of the upper chamber, Jabari Brisport of Brooklyn and … Read More
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LGBTQ candidates are running for office in general election races across New York City, though several are running unopposed — and some of the most competitive races involving LGBTQ candidates are taking place in the city's suburbs.
In the State Senate, the only two out members of the upper chamber, Jabari Brisport of Brooklyn and Erik Bottcher of Manhattan, are looking to return to their seats in Albany — and Brisport will walk to the finish line unopposed in District 25 for the second time in as many general election contests. Brisport, who fended off a primary challenge from Marlon Rice earlier this year, was first elected to the State Senate in 2020.
Bottcher, who is facing Republican Charlotte Friedman in District 47, jumped from the City Council to the State Senate earlier this year after Brad Hoylman-Sigal left his State Senate seat to become Manhattan borough president.
Meanwhile, out Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, who defeated incumbent Jessica Ramos in the Democratic Primary in District 13, hopes to join Brisport and Bottcher in the State Senate. González-Rojas is facing Republican John Healy in the general election.
In the State Assembly, out incumbent Assemblymember Tony Simone of Manhattan’s 75th District is seeking re-election against Republican challenger Christine Fontanelli.
Out Assemblymember Diana Moreno, who is from Ecuador, is running for re-election in Queens' Assembly District 36 against Republican Edward Lee. Moreno took office earlier this year after winning a special election to fill the seat formerly occupied by now-Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Several out newcomers who hope to join the State Assembly are also on the ballot in the general election. González-Rojas’ former chief of staff, Brian Romero, is running unopposed in the general election for his former boss' seat in the 34th Assembly District in Queens, while Illapa Sairitupac of Queens is running in the 65th Assembly District against Republican Helen Qiu.
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Assembly candidate Brian Romero.Donna Aceto[/caption]
In the same borough, out candidate David Orkin — who defeated incumbent Jenifer Rajkumar in the Democratic primary — is running against Republican Ruben Cruz II in District 38.
Christian Celeste Tate, who beat incumbent Assemblymember Erik Dilan in the Democratic primary in Brooklyn's District 54, has no opponent in the general election.
In Manhattan's 66th Assembly District, out candidate David Siffert is looking to succeed retiring lawmaker Deborah Glick, who is the first out state lawmaker in New York. Siffert, who beat a crowded field of competitors in the Democratic primary, is running unopposed.
Meanwhile, in New York’s City Council, out Councilmember Carl Wilson — who succeeded Bottcher in District 3 — is up against challenger Haris Bhatti in the general election.
In Congress, Bronx Representative Ritchie Torres — the only out member of Congress in New York State — is facing four opponents: Stylo A. Sapaskis, Gonzalo Duran, Andre Easton, and Jose Vega. Torres has continued to win re-election since he was first elected to the House in 2020 and most recently won his Democratic primary race earlier this year.
While Torres is the only out member of Congress in New York State, two pivotal Congressional races involving LGBTQ candidates are taking place in the New York City suburbs. Out candidate Cait Conley is taking on incumbent Mike Lawler in the pivotal 17th Congressional District north of New York City, while another out candidate, Christopher Gallant, is running for a House seat in Long Island’s First District in a race that has also drawn significant attention.
Gallant, a Democrat who is challenging Republican incumbent Nick LaLota, was the subject of resurfaced photos showing him in leather gear in an advertisement more than a decade ago — a development that has prompted many individuals to come to his defense.
Early voting is already underway. The general election is Nov. 3.
Assembly candidate Brian Romero.Donna Aceto[/caption]
In the same borough, out candidate David Orkin — who defeated incumbent Jenifer Rajkumar in the Democratic primary — is running against Republican Ruben Cruz II in District 38.
Christian Celeste Tate, who beat incumbent Assemblymember Erik Dilan in the Democratic primary in Brooklyn's District 54, has no opponent in the general election.
In Manhattan's 66th Assembly District, out candidate David Siffert is looking to succeed retiring lawmaker Deborah Glick, who is the first out state lawmaker in New York. Siffert, who beat a crowded field of competitors in the Democratic primary, is running unopposed.
Meanwhile, in New York’s City Council, out Councilmember Carl Wilson — who succeeded Bottcher in District 3 — is up against challenger Haris Bhatti in the general election.
In Congress, Bronx Representative Ritchie Torres — the only out member of Congress in New York State — is facing four opponents: Stylo A. Sapaskis, Gonzalo Duran, Andre Easton, and Jose Vega. Torres has continued to win re-election since he was first elected to the House in 2020 and most recently won his Democratic primary race earlier this year.
While Torres is the only out member of Congress in New York State, two pivotal Congressional races involving LGBTQ candidates are taking place in the New York City suburbs. Out candidate Cait Conley is taking on incumbent Mike Lawler in the pivotal 17th Congressional District north of New York City, while another out candidate, Christopher Gallant, is running for a House seat in Long Island’s First District in a race that has also drawn significant attention.
Gallant, a Democrat who is challenging Republican incumbent Nick LaLota, was the subject of resurfaced photos showing him in leather gear in an advertisement more than a decade ago — a development that has prompted many individuals to come to his defense.
Early voting is already underway. The general election is Nov. 3. 
