City Councilmember Erik Bottcher is bowing out of the crowded race to succeed Rep. Jerry Nadler in Congress and running for state Senate instead. 

Bottcher will vie for the Democratic nomination in the upcoming special election to replace state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who serves the 47th Senate District, he said in a statement Monday. Hoylman-Sigal’s seat will open up when he is sworn in as Manhattan borough president on Jan. 1.

What You Need To Know

City Councilmember Erik Bottcher is bowing out of the crowded race to succeed Rep. Jerry Nadler in Congress and running for state Senate instead

Bottcher will vie for the Democratic nomination in the upcoming special election to replace state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who will be sworn in as Manhattan borough president on Jan. 1

A number of Democratic contenders are running to replace Nadler, including John F. Kennedy’s grandson Jack Schlossberg and Assemblymembers Michah Lasher and Alex Bores

The 47th Senate District shares some overlap with Bottcher’s City Council district, which includes Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen and Times Square. 

“Running for public office has never been about titles for me. It has never been about chasing the position with the most power,” Bottcher said. “It has always been about where I can make the most meaningful difference and help make people’s lives better.”

“This decision is rooted in where I believe I can do the most good immediately. The State Senate is where critical decisions are being made on housing affordability, addressing the mental health crisis, safeguarding our environment, and defending New York from the Trump agenda,” he added. “At a moment when MAGA extremists are attacking our freedoms and undermining democracy, strong state leadership matters more than ever.”

Bottcher had been part of a crowded field of Democrats in the race to fill Nadler’s seat in New York’s 12th Congressional District, which includes the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side and Midtown Manhattan. 

Nadler in September said he would retire after serving out his 17th term in Congress. 

A number of Democratic contenders are now running to replace him, including John F. Kennedy’s grandson Jack Schlossberg and Assemblymembers Michah Lasher and Alex Bores.  

Bottcher was elected to the City Council in 2021. He currently serves as chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Organizations and as co-chair of the LGBTQIA+ Caucus. 

Before he joined the council, he was chief of staff to his predecessor, former City Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

In a statement Monday, Nadler threw his support behind Bottcher’s state Senate bid. 

“Erik possesses the dedication, expertise, and courage that our community requires at this critical moment, and I’m honored to endorse him for the State Senate,” he said. “Over the years, Erik and I have collaborated on numerous priorities including affordable housing development and preservation, improving our public parks, strengthening our schools, and addressing many other vital concerns.”

“Throughout our time working together, I’ve witnessed Erik’s unwavering commitment to serving his community in countless ways, both big and small,” he added. “The State Senate will need leaders like Erik next year, and that’s why I’m proud to support his candidacy in the Special election and in the June Primary.”