Erik Bottcher, a Democratic city councilman from downtown Manhattan, entered the race to succeed Representative Jerrold Nadler in New York’s 12th District, joining a crowded primary that includes Jack Schlossberg, Micah Lasher, Alex Bores and others. Framing his bid through his L.G.B.T.Q. activism and personal mental health story, Bottcher highlighted confrontations with right-wing extremists and his record on expanding shelter mental health services and backing affordable housing projects. He supports mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani but differs on Israel and housing priorities, and he argued grassroots work outweighs celebrity in the contest.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.