Why I’m Running for City Council

I am running for the City Council because the urgent priorities of our community require trusted leadership and a robust vision for our future. While serving our community in the New York State Assembly has been one of the greatest honors of my life, I believe there is more work to be done, particularly at the local level, where the impact on our daily lives is most direct and immediate.

As an elected official, I’ve been able to build upon my work as an advocate and public interest attorney. In the State Assembly, we achieved meaningful progress on key issues such as protecting tenants, preserving affordable housing, reforming the criminal justice system, expanding employment for people with disabilities,   Improving education, promoting environmental sustainability, and protecting the rights of LGBTQIA New Yorkers.

It is a natural progression for me to go to the City Council to champion the issues I’ve been fighting for my whole life. I will focus on tackling the housing crisis, breaking down the barriers to mental health care access, and investing in our youngest New Yorkers with high quality programs for everyone at the early childhood, public school, and higher education levels and fighting for the right of people with disabilities.  These challenges are not just topics of legislative debate but are realities affecting millions of New Yorkers every day.

My decision to run for City Council is driven by a steadfast commitment to confront issues head-on, bringing the same passion and dedication I’ve upheld in Albany to City Hall. Throughout my tenure in the Assembly, I have been deeply involved in crafting policies that are responsive to the needs of our community. Running for City Council offers an opportunity to apply this experience more directly to the governance of New York City, ensuring our shared values are represented in every decision we make.

This campaign is not just about winning an election; it’s about continuing to fight for the progressive change that our city deserves. It’s about making sure that the voices of all New Yorkers are heard and acted upon in City Hall.

My legislative work has always been guided by the principles of justice and equity. I am eager to bring my experience and activist roots to the City Council, where I can effect change from the ground up. Your support has always been the backbone of my public service career, and I ask you to join me once again as we embark on this critical campaign. Together, we can shape a future that reflects our hopes and values.  Thank you!

This campaign is not only about me but about our collective vision for our neighborhood. I am honored to have received the following endorsements from community leaders:

“I have known Harvey for decades and we have worked on numerous community campaigns together. Harvey brings people together, leads on campaigns, and is an effective legislator. I fully support Harvey Epstein for the NYC Council District 2 seat in 2025 and look forward to him continuing the work from my 12-year tenure in that Council seat. I know that I can count on his continued advocacy for area residents and he will make a great Council member for our community,” said former Council Member District 2, Rosie Mendez

“I endorse Harvey Epstein because he is the best candidate for our community. He has proven it in the work he has done so far and nobody can dispute that,” said former City Councilmember District 2, Margarita Lopez 

“I have watched Harvey stand up for our neighborhood, as a parent with his kids in public school, as a community board member and chair, and as an Assemblymember. I know he has what it takes to be a strong representative for our community because I have seen him be one for decades. Harvey has been a strong advocate and a pillar for residents and public housing before the Assembly and all of his community work makes our lives better and assists us in our struggles. I am proud to be part of the coalition working to get him elected to the Council, where he will continue to fight for our neighbors,” said Smith Houses Tenant Association President and Manhattan South President, Aixa Torres.

“With the District 2 seat open, it’s time for our community to choose a new representative, and I am endorsing Harvey Epstein for Council Member. During his time in the assembly, he has demonstrated his commitment and hard work by assisting the residents of First Houses with their concerns and needs. I hope my neighbors all join in electing whom I believe is the best candidate to represent us in the Council,” said First Houses Tenant Association President, Brendaliz Santiago. 

“Harvey’s experience makes him my top choice for District 2. He knows how to get things done in Albany and he’ll bring that same set of skills and knowledge to the Council. I want someone who I can count on representing us in the Council. Harvey has always stood with me and the tenants in our community fighting for the rights of public housing residents and that’s why I believe he is the best choice for the Council,” said Baruch Houses Tenant Association President, Camille Napoleon.

“I am ready to elect Harvey to the City Council so he can continue fighting for NYCHA residents and all our neighbors in District 2. We know Harvey has been advocating for us in Albany, helping to secure millions in funding we need. I am looking forward to having him close to home in the City Council, where he’ll continue his work on behalf of NYCHA residents,” said Campos Plaza II Tenant Association, Christine Bookin.

“Harvey has the experience we need in the Council. His years of representing tenants in housing court, organizing for issues that matter to our neighborhood, and fighting for us in Albany make him the best choice for District 2,” Straus Houses Tenant Association President, Elise Otero.

“I am proud to endorse Harvey for City Council. Throughout the years I’ve known Harvey, he’s been someone we can count on. We need more leaders in the City Council who can stand up for working people. I am ready to send Harvey to the Council to keep building on his track record of leadership for our neighborhood,” said Riis Houses Tenant Association President, Daphne Williams. 

“Harvey shows up for tenants. Whether it’s at a TA meeting, when we need help getting repairs, or when there’s an emergency in the building, we know we can count on him to hold NYCHA accountable and ensure tenants have the safe and dignified housing they deserve. I was proud to vote for him to represent our neighborhood in the Assembly and I will be fighting to elect him as our next Council member because I know he will not stop standing up for tenants and our neighborhood,” said Campos Plaza I Tenant Association President, DeReese Huff.

“Harvey has been a reliable and accessible Assemblymember. I appreciate his attention to the issues that matter to our community and I believe he is going to bring those qualities that made him a great Assemblymember to the Council. I am proud to support him and I hope my neighbors will join me in voting for Harvey Epstein,” said LES V Tenant Association President, Linda Rhodes. 

“Harvey has been our ally in Albany and now we are ready to elect him to the Council so he can keep working for us. Time and time again he has shown he truly cares about our community and knows how to deliver for us. I trust his experience and he has my vote,” said Bracetti Plaza Tenants Association President, Vernette Quick.

“Harvey Epstein is a man with integrity rooted in community values. A man with strong principles and ethical behavior. Which is why I give Harvey my 100% support,” said District Leader 65th AD, Daisy Paez.

“My club will have to vote to officially endorse one of the candidates in the running but I fully support Harvey Epstein for the District 2 Council seat. I’ve worked with Harvey and seen him as an active community member, strong leader, and effective assembly person. He’s experienced, qualified, and well-liked among his constituents and colleagues. For these reasons, I believe he’s best equipped to provide our community great representation,” said District Leader 65th AD, Mariama James.

“This being my first tenure as the District Leader of the 65th Assembly District, I immediately recognized Harvey Epstein as an astute leader with and an unmatched dedication of public servitude. Mr. Epstein has created legislation that has proven beneficial to his entire constituency! As a newly appointed District Leader, I am very appreciative of Harvey’s political tutelage and friendship! He is, the People’s Choice!” said District Leader 65th AD, Ron Thomas.

“Harvey Epstein is a true public servant. He has spent his entire career in service to others and is deeply involved in the community that he loves and where he and his wife have raised their children. Harvey leads with compassion and by example. As a NYC Council member, I have no doubt that Harvey will have his community’s back. I look forward to helping him get there!” said District Leader 61st AD, Vittoria Fariello.

“Over the years I have worked with Harvey on issues that matter deeply to our community. He is a thoughtful legislator who shows up for our community and is a true team player. He has been one of our strongest advocates for public housing in the state and I know he will do the same in NYC. He is my first choice for District 2 and I am ready to work to get him elected,” said District Leader 74th AD, Marquis Jenkins.

“Our community has an important opportunity to decide their next City Council person. I believe Harvey Epstein is that person. Harvey always backed past Council candidates who reflected the diverse range of backgrounds and experiences of the people they represent. Harvey shares our progressive values and cares about bold housing, health, and environmental justice policies. He also can successfully implement them to make our community and city better. He understands how to ensure diverse voices and opinions. That is why I am supporting him,” said State Committee Person for the 74th AD, Anthony Feliciano.   

“I support Harvey Epstein for City Council whom I have known for decades. Our acquaintance began in a PTA room, where we worked together as parent advocates, and, since, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to our community, in many roles, every single day. I can’t express enough how much I appreciate his partnership and collaborative spirit and have no doubt he will serve our community as an exceptional Council member,” said Community Leader, Ayo Harrington

“I trust Harvey. He knows how to do the job of representing this district and he is ready to take on the role of Council member. His years of service to this community working side by side with me on so many campaigns has prepared him to lead in the Council and I believe he’s our best choice. I’m proud to vote for him and I look forward to working with him as our future Councilmember,” said Community Leader, Damaris Reyes.

“I am supporting Harvey Epstein to be my next City Council Member in District 2 because he has been a strong advocate for tenant protections, people with disabilities, climate justice, education, supportive services, and public safety amongst other issues. We need a strong and compassionate representative in the halls of City Hall. Someone who builds coalitions and has the tact to convene people across a broad network to work towards a common goal. Someone who governs from the bottom up, prioritizing and amplifying the voices of the most marginalized. Harvey Epstein is the People’s Candidate and having him serve as the next City Council member for District 2 means that our community and NYC will be more just and livable,” said NYCHA Resident, Climate Organizer & Three Bridges Democratic Club President, Jasmin Sanchez.

“I first met Harvey over 10 years ago when I began my activism career. He embraced and guided me, helping to sharpen my skills as an advocate. Over the years, I have witnessed his unwavering commitment to education and housing, all while raising his family in this community. It is an honor to endorse Harvey for the City Council. With his extensive experience and genuine passion for service, he is well-equipped to lead and make a positive impact on our community”, said former CEC 1 President and Community Leader, Lilah Mejia.

“For years now, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know and work with Harvey Epstein. As a Lower East Side community activist for over 20 years, I have witnessed his deep commitment to helping all of our neighbors. As a disability rights advocate for the last 25 years, I can state emphatically that throughout his time in Albany, he has become the greatest Champion the disability community has ever known. I would relish the opportunity to continue to work with him as our Council Member and enjoy the benefits of his presence in the district 12 months of every year,” said Community Leader Michael J. Schweinsburg. 

“I have worked with Harvey on a variety of issues that are important in our neighborhood, including education. As a public school parent, he has shown how much he cares about improving our schools, enhancing parent involvement, and helping students thrive. I am voting for Harvey because he is engaged and he lifts up people in our community and takes their input genuinely,” said Lifelong Lower East Side Resident, Parent Advocate, and Former CEC 1 President, Naomi Peña.

“I support Harvey Epstein for City Council because of his steadfast leadership and commitment to harness our collective voices to create a vibrant community. He not only shows up, but does his absolute best to hold up the diversity of perspectives in District 2. He is a true public servant and his years of experience speaks for itself,” said NYCHA Resident and Former Board Chair of Manhattan Community Board 3, Tareake Dorill.

“From his work as a Legal Services and Legal Aid attorney to his tenure on Community Board 3 during tumultuous times, as a tenant member of the Rent Guidelines Board and with his current position in the State Assembly, Harvey Epstein has put the individual and community as his top priority, not the special interests and lobbies that figure so disproportionately in the running of this city. Epstein will be the voice the community needs in the City Council — not afraid to speak out but willing to operate and achieve an outcome that will benefit his constituents and guide the city to an equitable future,” said SoHo Alliance Director, Sean Sweeney.

“It is an honor and privilege to endorse Harvey Epstein for City Council. His years of steadfast advocacy for the community has improved the community as well as New York State. I look forward to the change he will bring to the district and the city,” said Community activist Arnette C. Scott.

“As a lifelong resident of the Lower East Side, I know the impact a city council person can have on my day to day life. Harvey Epstein is the candidate I trust to care and steward over a fast changing district. With decades of service and a Lower East Side resident, his commitment is clear and I look forward to the legacy he will leave as our next city council person,” said Community Leader Eden Martinez. 

“Harvey is a politician that cares about our community, and I support him fully,” said VET Resident and Community Activist, Polly Thompson. 

“I have great admiration for Harvey Epstein, whom I have known for many years. Of particular note is Harvey’s generosity and compassion for new migrants who have recently arrived in our community,” said VET Resident and retired Human Rights Lawyer Dan Meyers.

“Harvey has always been there for us when we needed him – not just for our co-op, but for everyone in the Lower East Side community. He’s fantastic. I am proud to support him,” said Iris Bailey, VET Resident and Union Organizer.

“I first met Harvey through his work to promote low-cost cooperative housing. His courageous political leadership – over a broad range of issues – has always been guided by his integrity and commitment to social justice. It is an honor to support him,” said VET Resident and Housing Activist, Richard Heitler. 

“Harvey has been an unwavering supporter of our efforts to protect and preserve critically needed affordable housing in New York City,” said Ellen Braune, East Midtown Plaza Mitchell-Lama Resident.

“As Chair of VET’s Energy Conservation Committee, I support Harvey Epstein to represent us in City Council. We are grateful for his excellent work fighting for climate justice in our community and for a healthier, safer environment for all New Yorkers, including his championing of important legislation like the NY HEAT Act,” said VET Energy Conservation, Sane Energy Project, El Jardin del Paraiso, More Gardens Fund Member, JK Canepa.