New York State Assemblyman Harvey Epstein, a Democrat, has announced his decision to transition from serving in the state council for eight years to challenging for a seat on the city council in 2025. His target is the seat left vacant by fellow Democratic City Council member Carlina Rivera in the 2nd District of Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Epstein stated that his primary focus upon election would be representing tenants and expanding affordable housing in the city.
On May 18th at noon, Epstein held a campaign press conference in the Puerto Rican community of Alphabet City in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, accompanied by former 2nd District City Council members Rosie Mendez and Margarita Lopez. Approximately 50 enthusiastic attendees from the local community joined the event.
In an interview with Epoch Times, Assemblyman Epstein expressed his intention to complete his term in the state council this year before fully engaging in campaigning for the city council starting next year. His goals include advocating for higher education, economic housing, addressing the escalating mental health crisis in New York City, and advancing environmental sustainability efforts to combat climate change.
When asked by the media about any regrets in transitioning from the state council to local elections, Epstein responded, “It’s quite common, it happens often.” He cited examples of current Mayor Eric Adams, who previously served as Brooklyn Borough President before running for mayor, as well as City Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who were both former city council members. “I am also serving the community in a different capacity,” Epstein remarked.
The 2nd District of the New York City Council encompasses Lower East Side, Greenwich Village, East Village, Midtown South/Flatiron/Union Square, Gramercy Park, and Murray Hill-Kips Bay.
Since 2018, the district has been represented by Democratic and Working Families Party-endorsed Council Member Carlina Rivera. In the city council election last November, no eligible Republican candidate emerged to challenge Rivera in the deeply blue district. Rivera’s third term will conclude in January 2026.
According to the New York City Campaign Finance Board, four candidates have been confirmed to vie for Rivera’s vacant seat in the upcoming election cycle. Apart from Epstein, the contenders include Andrea Gordillo, a descendant of Peruvian immigrants and Chair of Manhattan’s Community Board 3, along with Angela Aquino and Sarah Batchu.