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New York City: NYC Mayor
- Fernando Ferrer (D - Challenger) Fernando Ferrer, a former Bronx Borough President and member of the NYC Council, has a twenty-year history of supporting the LGBT community. His record includes providing a critical vote in getting the landmark gay rights bill out of committee and onto the floor of the NYC Council, where it passed and was signed into law in 1986 and, as Borough President, creating a LGBT advisory panel and appointing a liaison to the community. Mr. Ferrer has said publicly and stated in a letter to the Pride Agenda that he will use the office of Mayor to advance the rights of the LGBT community in specific ways the incumbent Mayor is reticent to do. Mr. Ferrer has promised to stop Mayor Bloomberg's fight in court to block implementation of the Equal Benefits Law, a bill passed in 2004 that requires contractors doing business with the city to provide the same set of benefits to straight and LGBT employees. He will immediately implement the Dignity in All Schools Act, a bill passed in 2004 that requires the city to take specific steps to combat bias-based bullying and harassment in city schools. Mr. Ferrer will also stop the Bloomberg Administration's appeal of the court decision instructing the city to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples and will marry the first same-sex couple to receive a license from the city. Mr. Ferrer has shown during his career in politics that he will use the power of the office he holds to advance equality and justice for the LGBT community. The Empire State Pride Agenda proudly endorses Fernando Ferrer's candidacy for Mayor of New York City. Mr. Ferrer is challenging Republican Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who returned a questionnaire seeking our endorsement. NYC Public
Advocate - Betsy F. Gotbaum (D - Incumbent) Seeking her second term as Public Advocate, Betsy Gotbaum has been a strong public supporter of the LGBT community, always speaking at key public events and press conferences defending our community and celebrating our victories. Ms. Gotbaum was a sponsor of the Equal Benefits Bill and testified at the bill's first hearing in 2003. She answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, adding: "I have been at the forefront in supporting the LGBT community's fight for human rights, including securing equal benefits for domestic partners and the right for same-sex couples to marry." Ms. Gotbaum is a champion of LGBT issues and has a proven record supporting our community as an elected official. The Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Betsy Gotbaum's re-election as New York City Public Advocate. Ms. Gotbaum is being challenged by Republican Danniel Maio and Conservative Jay Golub in her race, neither of whom returned a questionnaire to the Pride Agenda seeking our endorsement. NYC Comptroller
- William C. Thompson, Jr. (D, WFP - Incumbent) Mr. Thompson has been a very strong supporter of the LGBT community, not only as Comptroller, but in his prior roles as Deputy Brooklyn Borough President and President of the NYC Board of Education. As Comptroller, he has actively used the power of the NYC Pension funds to pressure thirty-two Fortune 500 companies to add employee protections based on sexual orientation, and two to add protections based on gender identity and expression. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, adding: "I will continue to hold those accountable who are failing in their responsibilities to the LGBT community." Mr. Thompson is a champion of LGBT issues and has a proven record supporting our community as an elected official. The Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse William C. Thompson's re-election as New York City Comptroller. Mr. Thompson is being challenged by Libertarian Ron Moore and Conservative Herbert F. Ryan in his race, neither of whom returned a questionnaire to the Pride Agenda seeking our endorsement. Brooklyn
Borough President - Marty Markowitz (D, WFP - Incumbent) Mr. Markowitz has been a supporter of the LGBT community, both as Borough President and in his previous role as State Senator. In 1984, he hired the first openly lesbian Chief of Staff of any state legislator. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, adding: "Love is love, and everyone should have the same rights under the law. … Discrimination isn't just wrong; it's against the spirit of freedom and inclusion that has defined Brooklyn for over 300 years." Mr. Markowitz is a champion of LGBT issues and has a proven record supporting our community as an elected official. The Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Marty Markowitz's re-election as Brooklyn Borough President. Mr. Markowitz is being challenged by Republican/Conservative Theodore Alatsas, Libertarian candidate Gary Popkin, and Green party candidate Gloria Mattera. Ms. Mattera and Mr. Popkin both submitted candidate questionnaires. Manhattan
Borough President - Scott Stringer (D - Open Seat) Mr. Stringer has been a strong supporter of the LGBT community as a State Assemblymember. During his six terms in the NYS Assembly, he voted correctly on every LGBT issue that came before him, including the Hate Crimes Law, the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act and the Dignity for All Students Act. He is a co-sponsor of the Freedom to Marry bill and this past session voted for the Control of Partner Remains bill. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, adding: "As Borough President, I will continue my initiatives to fight for marriage equality. I will also continue to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS education. I will work to provide shelter space that is dedicated to transgender youth, and to secure funding for shelters and additional beds for victims of domestic violence. … I have always worked to promote the interests and rights of the LGBT community. As Borough President, I pledge to be an even more effective advocate." Mr. Stringer is a champion of LGBT issues and has a proven record supporting our community as an elected official. The Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Scott Stringer's candidacy for Manhattan Borough President. Mr. Stringer is facing Republican Barry Popik, Independent candidate Jessie A. Fields, and Working Families Party Candidate Kenneth D. Schaeffer. Mr. Popik and Ms. Fields both submitted candidate questionnaires. NY City Council,
District 2 - Rosie Mendez (D, WFP - Open Seat) Rosie Mendez, a fourth-term Female Democratic District Leader and former Chief of Staff to Councilwoman Margarita Lopez, is seeking the open seat currently held by Councilwoman Lopez. She answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, adding: "As an out lesbian, I have a history of fighting for LGBT people and I pledge, elected to the NYC Council or not, that I will continue that fight… In 2002, as Chief of Staff to Councilwoman Margarita Lopez, I worked on passage of the Transgender Rights legislation. In between, I worked on a variety of LGBT issues, including the fight against the Army's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Most recently, I have advocated for same sex couple's right to marry." The Empire State Pride Agenda proudly endorses Rosie Mendez's candidacy for NYC City Council, District 2. Ms. Mendez is facing Republican/Independent John Carlino, who did not return a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement. NY City Council,
District 3 - Christine Quinn (D, WFP - Incumbent) Councilwoman Quinn has been on the City Council since 1999. An out lesbian, Ms. Quinn has been an effective voice for the LGBT community and on many progressive issues. She was the primary sponsor of the Equal Benefits Bill (EBB), legislation requiring city contractors to provide the same set of benefits to straight and LGBT employees, and led the coalition, with the Pride Agenda, that built support for the bill's passage in 2004. Following the Mayor's refusal to implement the EBB after the Council overrode the Mayor's veto, she was instrumental in getting the Council to take the city to court to enforce the EBB. Ms. Quinn also played a key role in the passage of the Transgender Civil Rights Law in 2002 and the passage of the Dignity in All Schools Act in 2004. She answered every question on our questionnaire correctly and said, "If re-elected to the City Council, I will continue to work in collaboration with community leaders and advocates on issues affecting our community. I will also continue to have my office attend regular community events to stay current on issues affecting the LGBT Community." Ms. Quinn is a committed and strong champion of LGBT issues and has a proven record supporting our community as an elected official. The Empire State Pride Agenda proudly endorses Christine Quinn's re-election to District 3 of the NYC City Council. Ms. Quinn is running unopposed. NY City Council,
District 4 - Patrick Murphy (R, I - Open Seat) Mr. Murphy, an openly gay man, is a Market Strategy Consultant, Board Member of PFLAG NYC, National Board Member of Log Cabin Republicans (LCR), and former Board Member of the Pride Agenda. At LCR, he raised money to defeat the Federal Marriage Amendment, and organized its "Big Tent" event during the GOP convention in NYC, that called for a more inclusive party and defeat of the Federal Marriage Amendment. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, adding, "An important reason I am running for office is because I believe we need more openly gay elected officials who will fight for laws and protections we deserve.… I have dedicated most of my civic activities to fighting for LGBT equality.… I believe we need more advocates on both sides of the aisle to get where we need to go." The Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Patrick Murphy's candidacy for NYC City Council, District 4. Mr. Murphy is facing Democrat Daniel Garodnick, who the Pride Agenda endorsed in his primary race, and Working Families Party candidate Jack Lester, both of whom submitted candidate questionnaires. NY City Council,
District 5 - Jessica Lappin (D, WFP - Open Seat) Jessica Lappin, the former Chief of Staff to Speaker Gifford Miller, is seeking the open seat currently held by Speaker Miller. In her role at the Speaker's office, Ms. Lappin worked behind the scenes with the Pride Agenda to secure funding for LGBT community organizations and to help pass legislation including the Equal Benefits Bill and the Transgender Civil Rights Bill. She answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, adding: "I am proud to have spent the last seven years working for the City Council to advance civil rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community.… I have consistently stood with LGBT advocates on the issues that are important to the LGBT community and will continue to do so as a member of the City Council." The Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Jessica Lappin's candidacy for NYC City Council, District 5. Ms. Lappin is facing Republican Joel M. Zinberg, who did return a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement. NY City Council,
District 6 - Gale A. Brewer (D, WFP - Incumbent) Councilwoman Brewer has been on the City Council since 2002. She supported the Transgender Civil Rights Law, the Equal Benefits Bill, and the Dignity in All Schools Act. In addition, she sponsored a resolution against the Federal Marriage Amendment and a bill, now law, to add domestic partnerships to the list of classes protected under the City's human rights ordinance. She answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, adding: "Achieving equal rights has been one of the driving forces behind my public service. … I have been a strong supporter of equal rights for the LGBT community for over 30 years and pledge to continue my outspoken advocacy." Ms. Brewer is a champion of LGBT issues and has a proven record supporting our community as an elected official. The Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse her re-election to District 6 of the NYC City Council. Ms. Brewer is being challenged by Republican Josh Yablon, who returned a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement. NY City Council,
District 9 - Inez Dickens (D - Open Seat) Inez Dickens is a Democratic District Leader, First Vice Chair of the New York State Democratic Party, an active member of the Democratic National Committee, and a founding member of Children of Parents with AIDS. She is seeking the open seat currently held by Councilman Bill Perkins. She answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, adding: "I have a demonstrated record of support for LGBT rights and of fighting AIDS… As the First Vice Chair of the New York State Democratic Party, I worked with my colleagues and friends to lobby the members of the Executive Committee and the State Party at large, to pass the Gay Marriage resolution - which calls for the legalization of Gay marriage. The resolution was adopted as the official Party position." The Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Inez Dickens candidacy for NYC City Council, District 9. Ms. Dickens is facing Republican Will Brown in November. Mr. Brown did not return a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement. NY City Council,
District 11 - G. Oliver Koppell (D, WFP - Incumbent) Councilman Koppell has voted for all LGBT issues that have come before him, both as a member of the City Council and as a former Assemblymember. On the City Council he supported the Transgender Civil Rights Law, the Equal Benefits Bill, and the Dignity in All Schools Act. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, adding: "I have consistently supported equal rights for the LGBT community over my long career in public service." Mr. Koppell is a champion of LGBT issues and has a proven record supporting our community as an elected official. The Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse G. Oliver Koppell's re-election to District 11 of the NYC City Council. Mr. Koppell is being challenged by Republican/Conservative Steve Bradian, who did not return a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement. NY City Council,
District 19 - Tony Avella (D, WFP - Incumbent) Councilman Avella has voted for all LGBT issues that have come before him, including the Transgender Civil Rights Law, the Equal Benefits Bill, and the Dignity in All Schools Act. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, adding: "I have been a long time supporter (before elective office) of the issues that are of concern to the lesbian, gay and transgender community." Mr. Avella is a champion of LGBT issues and has a proven track record supporting our community as an elected official. The Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Tony Avella's re-election to District 19 of the NYC City Council. Mr. Avella is being challenged by Republican Peter Boudouvas, who did not return a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement. NY City Council,
District 25 - Helen Sears (D, WFP - Incumbent) Councilwoman Sears has voted for all LGBT issues that have come before her, including the Transgender Rights Bill, the Equal Benefits Bill, and Dignity in All Schools Act. She answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, adding: "In my role as a Budget negotiator, I have made sure that money was allocated to many groups that service the needs of the LGBT Community…. I will continue to fight to ensure that all citizens have equal rights and equal protection under the law." Ms. Sears is a champion of LGBT issues and has a proven record supporting our community as an elected official. The Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Helen Sears' re-election to District 25 of the NYC City Council. Ms. Sears is being challenged by Republican Masud M. Rahman, who did not return a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement. NY City Council,
District 26 - Eric Gioia (D, WFP - Incumbent) Councilman Gioia has voted for all LGBT issues that have come before him, including the Transgender Civil Rights Law, the Equal Benefits Bill, and the Dignity in All Schools Act. He has advocated for funding for Queens Pride House and the Queens Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, adding: "I will continue to push for legislation that recognizes and protects the diversity of families in our city, and to advocate for funding of social service organizations that serve the LGBT community and the general public." Mr. Gioia is a champion of LGBT issues and has a proven record supporting our community as an elected official. The Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Eric Gioia's re-election to District 26 of the NYC City Council. Mr. Gioia is being challenged by Green party candidate Robyn Sklar, who returned a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement. NY City Council,
District 33 - David Yassky (D, WFP - Incumbent) Councilman Yassky has voted for all LGBT issues that have come before him, including the Transgender Civil Rights Law, the Equal Benefits Bill, and the Dignity in All Schools Act. In addition, he has co-sponsored a resolution supporting marriage equality for same-sex couples. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly, adding: "I have been a leader in the council on LGBT issues [and] have regularly taken opportunities to advocate for the community." Mr. Yassky is a champion of LGBT issues and has a proven record supporting our community as an elected official. The Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse David Yassky's re-election to District 19 of the NYC City Council. Mr. Yassky is being challenged by Republican/Conservative Erik Hooks, who did not return a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement. NY City Council,
District 39 - Bill de Blasio (D, WFP - Incumbent) Councilman de Blasio has voted for all LGBT issues that have come before him, including the Transgender Civil Rights Bill, the Equal Benefits Bill, the Dignity for All Students Act and supported funding for HIV/AIDS services to communities of color and users of crystal meth. He answered every question on our questionnaire correctly and said in the next Council he will work on "securing further legal recognition of LGBT relationships and families, expanding protections for LGBT youth, increasing funding for the community's health and social service needs, and expanding the civil rights of LGBT New Yorkers." Mr. de Blasio is a champion of LGBT issues and has a proven record supporting our community as an elected official. The Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse Bill de Blasio's re-election to District 39 of the NYC City Council. Mr. de Blasio is being challenged by Republican/Conservative Yvette Velazquez Bennett, who did not return a questionnaire seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement. NY City Council,
District 41 - Darlene Mealy (D, WFP - Open Seat) Ms. Mealy is a clerical worker with the NYC Transit Authority and a community activist. She has attended and spoken at rallies opposing anti-gay hate crimes in her community. She answered every question on our questionnaire correctly except she stated that she supports civil unions and not marriage for same-sex couples. She says, "I have spoken out against discrimination and hate crimes. I support aggressive enforcement of civil rights for the LGBT community." The Empire State Pride Agenda is pleased to endorse Darlene Mealy's candidacy for NYC City Council, District 41. Ms. Mealy is facing Republican A. Brinmore Britton and Independent Naquan Muhammad, neither of whom returned questionnaires seeking the Pride Agenda's endorsement.
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