Through our new video series, Reel Talk, we have introduced you to the City Council candidates for the upcoming New York City Primary Election. Before early voting begins on June 14th, here’s one last chance to get to know the people on your ballot.
Manhattan’s District 1 includes Battery Park City, Civic Center, Chinatown, Financial District, Little Italy, the Lower East Side, NoHo, SoHo, South Street Seaport, South Village, TriBeCa, and Washington Square. The District is currently represented by Council Member Christopher Marte, who is running for re-election against three Democrats: Jess Coleman, Elizabeth Lewinsohn, and Eric Yu. The winner will face-off against Republican candidate Helen Qiu in November.
Jess Coleman
Coleman aims to lower rents, make the streets and subways safer through increased housing and mental health care, and to create vibrant public spaces through expanded outdoor dining.
Elizabeth Lewinsohn
As chair of Gotham Park, Lewinsohn secured millions of dollars to transform neglected infrastructure into accessible green space. She wants to increase community policing, expand affordable housing, fight for public housing repairs, and strengthen tenant protections.
Christopher Marte
Council Member Marte has represented District 1 since 2021. He has funded public housing, put money towards protecting the environment, and addressed the issue of sanitation.
Eric Yu
Yu serves on Community Board 1, and he wants to strengthen the neighborhood and grow local businesses, creating opportunities for all New Yorkers. He wants to focus on the basics: reliable services, clean streets, and safe, fair enforcement of the law.
Helen Qiu
Qiu has worked as a teacher, engineer, and pastor.
Primary Election Day: Tuesday, June 24
Early Voting: June 14–23
General Election Day: Tuesday, November 4