NY-12 Democratic nominee?
$467.7K
JUN 24, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleState Senator
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age47 years old (May 9, 1979)
GenderMale
Show moreShow less
LocationNew York
BackgroundPolitician
EducationGeorge Washington University (B.A.)
Notable personal detailsErik Bottcher is a Democratic politician and public servant from New York City. He represented Manhattan’s 3rd District on the New York City Council from January 1, 2022 to February 4, 2026, after previously serving as chief of staff to Council Member Corey Johnson (2015–2021) and working in government LGBTQ outreach roles. He has served in the New York State Senate since February 4, 2026. He earned a B.A. from George Washington University.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Erik Bottcher has backed targeted tax relief measures tied to affordable housing preservation (for example, sponsoring local action to implement a reduced shelter-rent tax for Penn South). His public materials emphasize affordable-housing and social-service funding priorities but do not present a clear, comprehensive stance on broader tax policy (e.g., tax increases on high earners or corporate tax changes).
Healthcare
Supports expanding access to mental health and medical services through government action and city programs, including laws requiring on-site mental health care in family homeless shelters and initiatives to increase referrals and treatment capacity. Emphasizes strengthening public behavioral-health services, supportive housing, and targeted services for marginalized communities. Prior work includes authoring and passing Local Law 35 and other legislation to increase city-provided mental-health supports in shelters and schools.
Show moreShow less
Immigration & Border
Supports strong sanctuary protections for New York City, opposes efforts to weaken those protections, and has organized resources and services for asylum seekers and immigrants in his district. Has funded local immigrant legal services and worked to connect newly arrived asylum-seekers with housing, education, and other supports. Emphasizes humanitarian reception and rapid connection to long-term solutions rather than permanent sheltering in emergency sites.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports protecting and expanding abortion and reproductive healthcare access; co-sponsored New York City Council resolutions and legislation packaging that codify abortion protections, back a state constitutional amendment to protect pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, and designate New York City as a safe haven for abortion care.
Climate & Energy
Supports pro-environment city and state policies including expanding urban tree canopy, citywide curbside composting and zero-waste goals, congestion pricing, reduced single-use plastics, and investments in clean energy and green jobs. Focuses on municipal sustainability measures (trees, composting, waste reduction, protected bike lanes) while endorsing broader clean-energy and climate investment priorities.
Public Safety & Guns
Erik Bottcher supports firearm-safety measures framed as public-health interventions, including legislation to require graphic warning images and safety signage in gun stores to educate purchasers about risks such as suicide and unintentional injury. He has sponsored and publicly advocated for city-level policies intended to reduce harms associated with firearm access.
News
Erik Bottcher is in the news as one of ten Democratic candidates set to appear at an upcoming forum for New York’s 12th Congressional District. The event will give voters a chance to hear from candidates seeking to replace Rep. Jerry Nadler through opening remarks and a moderated discussion.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements
- Fundraising