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| MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release April 7, 2025 |
Contact: Nick Berkowitz
nick@opennewyork.org +1 917 576 2088 |
Open New York Announces 2025 City Council Endorsements
$500K Effort Targets Key Races, Doubles Size and Scope of Pro-Housing Campaign
“This slate marks a milestone for the pro-housing movement in New York City"
800+ grassroots members mobilizing on doors, phones, text
49 candidates from 5 boroughs applied for endorsement
Overwhelming public, citywide support for more homes and pro-housing candidates
New York, NY – Open New York, New York’s leading grassroots pro-housing group, today announced its endorsements for the 2025 City Council elections, backing candidates in key competitive races and reaffirming support for pro-housing incumbents across the city, the group’s first tranche of endorsements in 2025. This announcement includes endorsements in five crucial City Council primary races, alongside one candidate challenging an anti-housing incumbent in November, and reaffirms support for an additional six proven housing champions.
“This council slate marks a milestone for the pro-housing movement—it’s double the size of previous years, and a clear sign of the growing citywide coalition of New Yorkers who support building more homes,” said Annemarie Gray, Executive Director of Open New York. “We received several times more applications than in past years, and our endorsements reflect both the diversity of leadership emerging in this movement and the urgency of the housing crisis. We’re proud to support this strong group of candidates—and we’re ready to help them win and deliver a more affordable, inclusive New York City.
Competitive Endorsements:
- District 1 - Jess Coleman, challenging NIMBY incumbent Chris Marte in lower Manhattan.
- District 4 - Ben Wetzler, a longtime Open New York member and dedicated housing advocate, running in an open race on Manhattan’s East Side.
- District 8 - Elsie Encarnación, a seasoned public servant running for an open seat with the endorsement of term-limited incumbent Diana Ayala.
- District 14 - Council Member Pierina Sanchez, facing a competitive reelection fight against her anti-housing predecessor, Fernando Cabrera.
- District 39 - Council Member Shahana Hanif, facing a competitive reelection battle in Brooklyn’s District 39.
- District 13 - Shirley Aldebol, who will challenge NIMBY Republican Kristy Marmorato in the November general election.
Full list of council endorsees and candidate quotes below
2025 Tactics and Spend:
Building on Open New York and Abundant New York’s 2024 electoral successes, 2025 will see greater grassroots organizing—led by Open New York’s more than 800 members—and a $500,000 independent expenditure campaign focused on the most competitive Council races; more than double last cycle’s spend. Tactics will include a mix of digital ads, mail, short-form video, and robust field operations, tailored to each race’s needs. Endorsed candidates receive support from Open New York’s expansive member and volunteer network through canvassing, phone banking, and voter mobilization efforts.
2025 Endorsement Process:
Open New York’s rigorous endorsement process involves extensive candidate vetting, including comprehensive questionnaires, interviews, and analysis of legislative and advocacy records. This cycle was significantly more competitive than in past years—with 49 candidates from 5 boroughs vying for the group’s endorsement. While many candidates applied, Open New York is only endorsing candidates who are both strongly aligned with pro-housing values, and are in races where an endorsement, resources and member mobilization could meaningfully influence the outcome.
Candidates in New York City and across the state can still apply for Open New York’s endorsement. To begin the process, email endorsements@opennewyork.org.
Local Legislative Progress, State and Federal Headwinds
City Council races are hyper-local, but their outcomes carry citywide consequences. This year’s endorsements build on Open New York’s recent momentum, including the Council’s passage of the historic "City of Yes" zoning reforms and approval of the Arrow Linen affordable housing project in Brooklyn. These landmark victories come amid record-high rents that have marked a new stage in New York City’s housing crisis, as families across all five boroughs feel the pressure of rising prices. Failure of state government to address the supply shortage and new uncertainty around federal funding means that city leaders must take further steps to meet New Yorker’s housing needs.
Growing Support for abundant homes and candidates who support building them
Beyond this need, polling regularly shows that an overwhelming majority of voters support building more housing. An October 2028 poll from Slingshot Strategies showed 81% of New York City voters support broad citywide zoning reform, with 71% identifying lack of supply of affordable housing as the main driver of the affordability crisis. Siena College found housing is also a major priority for voters across New York, who routinely rank it among the top two most important issues in the State, just after cost of living. Support for housing is even more pronounced among New York City Democrats, 74% of whom would support changing local zoning codes to allow more homes to be built. Even when asked about building more in their own specific neighborhoods, a 63% majority still support these changes.
Previous endorsees, spend and victories:
During state elections in 2024, Abundant New York’s first cycle, the organization spent $250,000 to support pro-housing candidates. Along with the crucial support of Open New York’s grassroots members, the effort helped elect two new Assemblymembers in New York City—Micah Lasher in Manhattan and Emily Gallagher in Brooklyn, who defeated a well-funded NIMBY challenger by more than 50 points. Outside the city, Abundant New York supported three candidates in tightly contested primaries: Sarahana Shrestha in the Hudson Valley and Demond Meeks in Rochester, who each defeated real estate-backed challengers by over 30 points, and Gabriella Romero in Albany, who won a crowded primary by 9 points.
Open New York 2025 NYC Council endorsees:
District 1: Jess Coleman
District 3: Erik Bottcher
District 4: Ben Wetzler
District 7: Shaun Abreu
District 8: Elsie Encarnacion
District 13: Shirley Aldebol
District 14: Pierina Sanchez
District 18: Amanda Farias
District 33: Lincoln Restler
District 35: Crystal Hudson
District 36: Chi Ossé
District 39: Shahana Hanif
Endorsee Quotes:
“Finding an affordable apartment in Lower Manhattan has become nearly impossible—and that’s no accident. It’s the result of years of failed leadership that’s rigged the housing market against everyday New Yorkers,” said Jess Coleman, Candidate for District 1. “Open New York is leading the fight to change that, and I’m incredibly proud to have their endorsement. As a member of the organization and a market-rate tenant myself, I’ve seen firsthand how these broken policies stack the deck against anyone trying to find an affordable place to live. We need bold, honest leadership that will stand up for more homes and lower rents—and I’m ready to deliver that for our district.”
"On the East Side, families are forced to choose between having space for their kids, or moving away. We can and must create more homes, lower the rents, and protect tenants so regular New Yorkers can afford to live in our neighborhoods,” said Ben Wetzler, Candidate for District 4. “While working in affordable housing, I've seen firsthand how our current policies are pricing out families, seniors, and the younger generations. As an Open New York member, I’m honored to receive their endorsement.”
“East Harlem and the South Bronx deserve housing equity—not just promises," said Elsie Encarnacion, Candidate for District 8. “At apartment showings, our housing shortage pits neighbor against neighbor, and the only winners are landlords. Our community needs more affordable options and we must bring down the rents. That starts with creating more affordable homes in every neighborhood across New York, and that’s what Open New York stands for. I am proud and grateful for this endorsement.”
“Half your paycheck is too much to spend on rent or mortgage payments. We cannot lead with ‘no’ on housing.” said Shirley Aldebol, Candidate for District 13. “We need more truly affordable home options in the East Bronx, so working families can afford to stay here and seniors can age in their communities. Open New York is fighting to unlock more housing options and create a more affordable New York, and I’m thrilled to receive their endorsement.”
"My constituents are being priced out of their lifelong neighborhoods, and we must do everything we can to create new affordable options. As our housing crisis worsens, inaction is not an option," said District 39 Council Member Shahana Hanif. "I'm grateful for Open New York's continued support as we tackle the root causes of the housing crisis. We must keep expanding housing solutions that protect tenants, fight displacement, and ensure everyone has a fair chance to build their lives here."
“I’m grateful to have Open New York’s support as we continue the fight for solutions to our city’s housing crisis,” said District 14 Council Member Pierina Sanchez. “When there’s a housing shortage, communities like mine in the Bronx feel it first. Affordable housing is about keeping our city diverse and accessible—not just for the wealthy. The historic City of Yes and City for All agreement we secured in 2024 was just a starting point. We need to build more housing of all kinds, protect tenants, and ensure our communities can grow with dignity. I look forward to continuing to work with Open New York on this vision.”
“Housing is the foundation of opportunity, yet too many New Yorkers—especially in the Bronx—are struggling to keep up with rising rents and have no viable path to homeownership,” said District 18 Council Member and Majority Leader Amanda Farías. “We need to build more housing of all types to ensure that working families can achieve financial stability and put down roots in their communities. As we continue fighting for a more affordable and livable city, I’m proud to stand with partners like Open New York in advancing solutions to our housing crisis and excited to have their endorsement.”
“From Crown Heights to Clinton Hill, our neighbors face intense pressure from rising rents,” said District 35 Council Member Crystal Hudson. “We must break the cycle of displacement by building more homes—from deeply affordable apartments to stable homes for working families. The impact of our housing shortage can be particularly devastating to older New Yorkers, who are so often forced to move away from the communities they’ve spent their lives in. I’m grateful for Open New York’s endorsement, and I look forward to partnering with them to build a more affordable future for all New Yorkers.”
“Decades of failed leadership and destructive policy have left us with a dire housing shortage and the highest rents in the country,” said District 36 Council Member Chi Ossé. “New Yorkers are competing over too few apartments, and that’s putting all the power in the hands of landlords. If we’re going to take back that power for renters, we need to end the housing shortage and build more homes of all kinds, while lifting barriers to housing like forced broker fees. New Yorkers can’t afford another rent hike. Open New York recognizes the irrefutable truth that shortages cause high prices, and an artificial shortage of something as essential as housing is unacceptable. I am proud to receive their endorsement.”
About Open New York:
Open New York is a grassroots nonprofit advocating for a diverse range of housing solutions. From social and government-subsidized housing to market-rate options, the organization is dedicated to tackling the profound housing shortage in New York. Open New York's vision is a city and state where housing laws and policies foster inclusivity and stability, moving away from exclusive neighborhoods and unaffordable living. Through advocacy and organizing, Open New York is committed to ensuring that New York is affordable and accessible to all. Follow Open New York on Twitter for the latest updates and developments. For more information, visit OpenNewYork.org
About Abundant New York:
Abundant New York is an independent expenditure committee focused on electing pro-housing candidates across New York State. It was launched in 2024 by Open New York and participated in five state legislative races during its first cycle, helping secure three primary wins and one general election victory. In 2025, Abundant New York is supporting candidates for New York City Council. Open New York and Abundant New York do not receive funding from the real estate or development industries. This effort is supported by a broad network of members and individuals committed to addressing the housing affordability crisis. For more information, visit AbundantNY.org.
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MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Nick Berkowitz
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Introducing Abundant New York: An Independent Expenditure Committee for NY Candidates Committed to Solving the Housing Crisis
Launched by Open New York as a multi-year, multimillion-dollar effort to elect pro-housing majorities in New York’s State Legislature and local governments
New York, NY – Today, Open New York, the state’s leading grassroots, pro-housing advocacy organization, announced the launch of Abundant New York, an independent expenditure (IE) committee aimed at electing pro-housing majorities in the State Legislature, as well as in cities, towns, and villages throughout New York.
Abundant New York will support candidates who are focused on comprehensive pro-housing policies to fix the state’s worsening housing affordability crisis, which voters routinely rank as one of their top issues. As the housing crisis threatens New York’s future as an economic, cultural, and immigrant hub, Abundant New York promises to elect candidates who will fight for a more sustainable and more affordable Empire State.
“The rising housing costs that affect millions of New Yorkers every year are not inevitable – they are a policy choice. Abundant New York is set on electing champions who will fix our state’s broken and outdated housing policies,” said Annemarie Gray, Executive Director of Open New York. “In many thriving cities around the world, prices do not rise every year, and people searching for a home do not face extremely limited options. New Yorkers are hurt by the inaction of our legislators, and this new electoral strategy will give voice to the majority of New Yorkers who are tired of ever-rising costs just to live here. There is a growing cohort of legislators in New York who are proposing serious solutions to our housing crisis. We intend to support those legislators, and to build on that momentum.”
With an immediate focus on the 2024 state legislative races and the 2025 municipal elections in New York City, Abundant New York will establish the first comprehensive statewide campaign focused on ending our chronic and extreme housing shortage. The fund is dedicated to:
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Electing champions who will be new voices in support of pro-housing policies.
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Protecting pro-housing incumbents facing competitive elections.
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Defeating anti-housing incumbents who have failed to address the crisis with urgency.
“Syracuse and Central New York are going through a severe and unprecedented housing crisis. I have made a concerted effort to focus on solutions that will result in more housing supply and affordability,” said Rachel May, State Senator for District 53 and Open New York endorsee. “I am thrilled to receive the Open New York endorsement, as they have been an important new voice on finding comprehensive solutions to the housing crisis. I look forward to continuing to advocate for more housing, more tenant rights, and stronger communities.”
“The status quo has failed in delivering stable homes as a basic need to New Yorkers. We must strive to have an abundance of quality homes where people can put down their roots and live without the fear of uncertainty,” said Sarahana Shrestha, Assembly Member for District 103 and Open New York endorsee, “The people who make the Hudson Valley what it is should be able to afford living here with the quality of life they deserve.”
As a grassroots organization with over 600 dues-paying members in 12 chapters spread across the state, Open New York advocates for a comprehensive policy agenda to protect tenants struggling with housing affordability and to build enough housing to finally end the crisis. Open New York has been pivotal in promoting reforms like the SoHo/NoHo and Gowanus rezonings in New York City and the Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act in the State Legislature. As the electoral arm of Open New York, Abundant New York will amplify the organization’s impact by supporting pro-housing candidates and electeds, and holding accountable those who aren’t.
Abundant New York’s efforts will complement Open New York’s legislative campaigns, grassroots member organizing, and public education work. It will tailor its election efforts to fit the specific needs of each race, using diverse tactics including the complete roster of traditional, multilingual independent expenditure activities (paid canvassing; advertising; mail; digital; paid and traditional media). This will build on the existing member-driven grassroots actions, like door knocking and phone banking, that Open New York has traditionally offered the candidates it endorses.
“Abundant New York will allow Open New York to broaden its mission, and more effectively advocate for better housing options throughout New York,” said Michelle Kuppersmith, Board Chair of Open New York. “Abundant New York will ensure that our representatives quickly deliver real solutions to the housing crisis. As a longtime member, I’ve been thrilled to see Open New York’s growth, and today’s announcement is the next step toward becoming a more effective statewide organization.”
Open New York and Abundant New York do not receive money from the real estate or development industries. This new IE initiative, controlled by Open New York’s 501(c)(4), is supported by a diverse group of members and individuals motivated to seriously address the wide-ranging consequences of the housing affordability crisis on New Yorkers. The growing investment in Open New York’s expansion reflects an expanding donor network passionate about solving New York’s housing crisis.
Successful pro-housing movements across the country have emphasized the power of representatives who are committed to quickly and tangibly addressing the housing crisis. Housing champions have also seen that pro-housing policies are winning politics. In Oregon, Tina Kotek was elected Governor on a proudly pro-housing platform, while in California and Massachusetts, pro-housing leaders have been elevated to Attorneys General. A recent Pew poll showed that New York State has a clear pro-housing majority that is ready to support legislators who advance serious solutions to the housing crisis.
“Open New York is the strongest pro-housing voice in New York, and a national leader in the pro-housing movement. Electing a pro-housing majority and supporting pro-housing leaders have been vital to our success in California, and Abundant New York will make that happen in the Empire State,” said Brian Hanlon, CEO of California YIMBY. “Today, California voters expect that their representatives will pass pro-housing legislation. Lawmakers routinely ask us which bills will help end the housing crisis, because they know voters will recognize and reward their efforts. As we’ve seen in California, the key to legislative success is a persistent effort from a geographically, racially, and ideologically diverse coalition. I have no doubt that Abundant New York will rally this same dynamic coalition to tackle New York's housing challenges head-on and deliver real, impactful change.”
From California to Maine, state legislatures across the country have passed significant pro-housing laws over the past decade to require faster and more equitable housing development. New York has failed to follow suit, and in turn our housing shortage has deepened relative to our peer states. For example, in the New York City region, suburban counties in New Jersey built five-to-ten times as much housing as suburban counties on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley between 2014 and 2021, providing more choices to renters and buyers. Even inside New York, suburban areas in Westchester that saw substantial housing growth between 2017 and 2023 saw minimal price increases, while areas on Long Island that experienced no growth experienced significant, harmful price increases.
“Now, more than ever, we need courageous elected officials who will fight for a more affordable New York,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. “I commend Open New York for commencing this crucial campaign, which aims to inform the public about candidates who are striving to preserve and construct housing in every corner of our city.”
“New York’s housing affordability crisis is a threat to the very future of our city” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “Solving this crisis will require political bravery. And the creation of this new PAC will provide a critical boost to candidates who are willing to take a risk on behalf of housing. This will be an important, impactful addition to New York’s political landscape.”
Abundant New York is an independent expenditure committee seeking to address the pressing housing affordability crisis by electing pro-housing majorities across New York's legislature and local governments. For more information, visit AbundantNY.org
Paid for by Abundant New York. Not authorized by any candidate, candidate committee, or any of its agents.
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MEDIA RELEASE March 25, 2024 |
Contact: Nick Berkowitz
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Open New York Announces First Slate of 2024 Endorsees
Open New York introduces three initial candidates that it will support in the 2024 elections
New York, NY – Today, Open New York, the state’s leading grassroots, pro-housing advocacy organization, announced its first slate of endorsements for the 2024 State legislative elections.
The endorsed candidates are:
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Micah Lasher, running for an open seat in the 69th Assembly District on Manhattan’s Upper West Side
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Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha, running for reelection in the 103rd Assembly District in the Hudson Valley
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State Senator Rachel May, running for reelection in the 48th Senate District in Central New York.
“The rising housing costs that affect millions of New Yorkers every year are not inevitable – they are a policy choice” said Annemarie Gray, Executive Director of Open New York. “The candidates endorsed by Open New York today are committed to ending our housing shortage, stopping perpetually rising rents, and creating a more affordable New York for everyone. They are united in support of a comprehensive approach to ending the housing crisis, including support for state-led efforts to increase affordable housing supply, addressing long-standing exclusionary zoning practices, and good cause eviction protections for tenants. These candidates represent the diverse movement for fixing the housing crisis in New York. I’m proud to support these candidates, and I look forward to supporting their wins this summer and fall.”
Open New York will announce a second tranche of endorsements before the end of the 2024 primary cycle, and will also endorse in the coming 2025 NYC Council races.
“Our massive shortage of housing sits at the root of our housing affordability crisis,” said Micah Lasher, Candidate for Assembly District 69 and Open New York endorsee. “We need to bring as much passion to the fight to build housing and address the structural problem as we do to the constant struggle to protect tenants from the economic squeeze it creates. This means recognizing that tenant protections and more housing supply go together. The state has a big role to play in reversing decades of policy choices that have stopped new housing, which hurt the tenants of today and price out the tenants of tomorrow.”
“The status quo has failed in delivering stable homes as a basic need to New Yorkers. We must strive to have an abundance of quality homes where people can put down their roots and live without the fear of uncertainty,” said Sarahana Shrestha, Assembly Member for District 103 and Open New York endorsee, “The people who make the Hudson Valley what it is should be able to afford living here with the quality of life they deserve.”
“Syracuse and Central New York are going through a severe and unprecedented housing crisis. I have made a concerted effort to focus on solutions that will result in more housing supply and affordability,” said Rachel May, State Senator for District 53 and Open New York endorsee. “I am thrilled to receive the Open New York endorsement, as they have been an important new voice on finding comprehensive solutions to the housing crisis. I look forward to continuing to advocate for more housing, more tenant rights, and stronger communities.”
The competitive Open New York endorsement process is led by ONY staff, members, and the board, and includes endorsement questionnaires, interviews, and examinations of voting records. ONY’s endorsement will result in support from Open New York’s extensive network of grassroots volunteers, who will engage in canvassing, phone banking, and GOTV.
Michelle Kuppersmith, Board Chair of Open New York, shared her excitement about working on the campaigns: "We are thrilled to support these exceptional candidates from across the state. Their campaigns represent a collective effort to transform New York into a place where everyone can find an affordable home. Our team is eager to mobilize and help realize this vision. As a longtime member, I’ll be excited to see Open New York’s membership rally behind these great candidates and help deliver historic wins for housing.”
This announcement represents Open New York’s first endorsements outside of New York City and the first alongside its new electoral arm, Abundant New York. While most will, not every Open New York endorsee will receive the support of Abundant New York.
In the 2023 New York City Council races, Open New York endorsed Carlina Rivera, Keith Powers, Erik Bottcher, Shaun Abreu, Pierina Sanchez, and Yusef Salaam. All six candidates won their races and continue to fight for better housing in NYC.
For more information, please email endorsements@opennewyork.org
About Open New York:
Open New York is a grassroots nonprofit advocating for a diverse range of housing solutions. From social and government-subsidized housing to market-rate options, the organization is dedicated to tackling the profound housing shortage in New York. Open New York's vision is a city and state where housing laws and policies foster inclusivity and stability, moving away from exclusive neighborhoods and unaffordable living. Through advocacy and organizing, Open New York is committed to ensuring that New York is affordable and accessible to all. Follow Open New York on Twitter for the latest updates and developments. For more information, visit opennewyork.org