PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 20th, 2026

CONTACT: Ryan McKenna - 631-741-2680 / Ryan5McKenna5@gmail.com

CARL WILSON ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN FOR NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 3, WITH WAVE OF ENDORSEMENTS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT



As Council Member Erik Bottcher is likely to become the next State Senator for District 47, the New York City Council District 3 seat will open - and Carl Wilson is best positioned to win.

Wilson: “I am honored to earn the support of the past three Council Members from District 3, NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin, Comptroller Mark Levine, and many other colleagues from City Hall. Most importantly, we are launching this grassroots campaign with the support of more than 150 community leaders from across District 3 who I have worked alongside for years to deliver real results for our neighborhoods.”

NEW YORK, NY — Carl Wilson, a longtime West Side organizer and public servant, today announced his candidacy for New York City Council in District 3, which includes Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea, and the West Village. Wilson enters the race with the support of more than 150 community leaders from across the district and endorsements from leading citywide and local elected officials.

Wilson first became active in local politics as a Co-Founder of the Hell’s Kitchen Democrats, playing a central role in challenging the entrenched McManus political machine and building a durable grassroots movement that continues to shape local civic life.

“That experience taught me that change happens when neighbors come together and organize for the community they want. I’m running for City Council to make sure District 3 has a representative who knows this community block by block and is ready to deliver results from day one” said Wilson. “New Yorkers know what this city has to offer, but the promise is slipping away as prices rise, housing becomes obsolete, and the current federal administration poses threats to our city. I am ready to keep up the fight for my community in the City Council.”

Wilson has spent years serving District 3 in senior and frontline roles, including as Chief of Staff to Erik Bottcher, through his work with the Fifth Avenue Association supporting businesses, and as a volunteer on Manhattan Community Board 4. His work has focused on affordability, neighborhood quality of life, small business support, and progressive governance.

He has also secured endorsements from elected officials including Comptroller Mark Levine, NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin, Majority Leader Shaun Abreu as well as current and past New York City elected officials including former City Council Speakers and Members from District 3 Corey Johnson and Christine Quinn.

“I know what it takes to do this job and to do it well. Carl Wilson is exactly the kind of leader this moment calls for. He understands our neighborhoods, fights for working people, and leads with integrity and independence,” said Council Member from District 3 and Candidate for State Senate District 47, Erik Bottcher. “I first met Carl when he was a young activist working to take down the McManus machine, and since then he has grown into a cornerstone of our community. As my Chief of Staff, he has been a trusted partner, a tireless advocate, and a deeply committed public servant who knows this community block by block. I can think of no one better prepared to represent District 3 with compassion, integrity, and results, and I am proud to endorse him for City Council.”

“Carl Wilson has spent nearly a decade serving our city and our neighborhoods with integrity, energy, and heart. His deep commitment to public service has given him a real understanding of how City Hall works and how to make it work better for everyday New Yorkers. Carl knows that the housing and affordability crises are the defining challenges of our time, and he has made it his mission to fight for stable, affordable homes and a city that working families can actually afford. I am proud to endorse Carl Wilson for City Council in District 3 and I look forward to adding him to our delegation,” said Julie Menin, Speaker of the New York City Council.

“Carl Wilson is a determined, values-driven leader who is committed to solving our affordability and housing crisis. He has been a partner who I have counted on when fighting for our communities, and I am proud to endorse Carl Wilson for City Council,” said New York City Comptroller Mark Levine.

“Having served as Speaker of the City Council, I know firsthand the demands of this job and the kind of leadership it requires. Carl Wilson meets that standard in every way. I met Carl years ago as a community organizer challenging the old McManus political machine. I hired him as the Community Board 4 Liaison covering 14th Street to 59th Street, and watched him grow into one of the most respected advocates in our community. Carl is exceptionally prepared to deliver real results for District 3, and I am proud to support his candidacy for City Council,” said Corey Johnson, Former Council Member from District 3 and Former Speaker of the New York City Council.

“Carl Wilson is a dedicated and thoughtful leader who stands up for underrepresented groups and works hard to deliver for his community. We need Carl to serve as our next Council Member as he is someone who fights hard for his LGBTQ+ neighbors, is staunchly pro-choice, and will work to combat ICE as our current administration sends raids to our communities. As Former Speaker, I know how important it is to have team players in the Council, and Carl is just that. Carl is ready to get to work for all of us here in District 3, and I would be so glad to see him join the NYC City Council,” said Christine Quinn, Former Council Member from District 3 and Former Speaker of the New York City Council.

“Carl Wilson is exactly the kind of public servant our City Council needs — thoughtful, experienced, and deeply rooted in the communities he serves. His work in city government has given him a practical understanding of how to turn policy into real results for New Yorkers. Carl knows that the rising cost of housing and everyday life is squeezing working families, and he has made affordability and fairness central to his work. As Majority Leader, I know how important it is to have partners who are ready to govern, and I look forward to working closely with Carl to advance a strong, progressive agenda for our neighborhoods. I am proud to endorse Carl Wilson for City Council in District 3,” said Council Majority Leader Shaun Abreu.

“As the newly elected Chair of the Committee on Land Use, I would be honored to have Carl Wilson join our delegation in the City Council and partner with me to work alongside tenants, small businesses, and community leaders to deliver real results for our neighborhoods. Carl is ready to bring forward-thinking ideas to the Council and will be a tireless advocate for his constituents. I am proud to endorse Carl for District 3,” said Council Member from District 12 Kevin C. Riley.

“Carl is a compassionate leader who knows that government has a responsibility to stand up for communities that are too often targeted or left behind. Throughout his career, he has been a steadfast ally to LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, fighting to protect hard-won rights and ensure everyone can live openly and safely. He has also been unwavering in his commitment to standing with Jewish New Yorkers and confronting antisemitism wherever it appears. In the City Council, it is so important to have colleagues who lead with courage, empathy, and a deep respect for our city’s diversity. Carl is ready to serve District 3 with integrity and heart, and he would be a great addition to the New York City Council,” said Council Member from District 29 Lynn Schulman.

“Carl Wilson is the kind of fresh leader that our city needs right now. Working with him in City Hall as Council Member Erik Bottcher's Chief of Staff, I have seen a real commitment to his community and a deep understanding of how to get things done. Carl knows that the housing and affordability crises are putting enormous pressure on New Yorkers, and he has made it a priority to fight for more affordable housing, stronger tenant protections, and a city that works for everyone. Carl Wilson has my full support for City Council,” said Former City Council Member Keith Powers.

“I met Carl in 2016 when we helped create the Hell’s Kitchen Democrats, and I saw firsthand his dedication to our community, this city, and this country. We have worked together to support our neighbors, and Carl has always shown up when it mattered. Carl listens, cares deeply about people, and works to deliver real results especially for tenants and neighbors in need. He leads with compassion and integrity, and that is why I proudly support Carl Wilson for City Council in my home, District 3," said Manhattan Plaza Tenant President and Hell’s Kitchen Democrats Founding Member Aleta Lafargue.

“Carl Wilson is someone our community can trust. He listens, follows through, and never forgets who he’s working for. Carl understands the real challenges families face, especially when it comes to housing and affordability. He has consistently shown up to fight for NYCHA residents and working people. I am proud to endorse Carl Wilson for City Council in District 3, and I know he will be a strong voice for our neighborhoods at City Hall,” said NYCHA Fulton Houses Tenant President Miguel Acevedo.

“Carl Wilson has long been a champion for affordable housing and quality of life issues in this council district. Promises are easy. Carl delivers and that is why I’m supporting him to be the next District 3 Council Member,” said Former Executive Director of Westbeth George Cominskie.

“I know how important it is to have elected officials who listen and stand up for NYCHA residents. Carl Wilson has consistently shown up for us, and he understands the real pressures families are facing. Carl knows how to fight for safe, stable, and affordable housing. I am proud to endorse Carl for City Council, as I trust he will always put tenants first,” said Former Tenant President of NYCHA Elliott-Chelsea Houses Darlene Waters.

“Carl Wilson understands that good government starts with accountability and a relentless focus on delivering real value for taxpayers. His experience inside City Hall has given him a clear-eyed view of how public dollars are spent — and where the government needs to do better. Carl knows that New Yorkers can’t afford waste, mismanagement, or half-measures, especially as families struggle with rising housing and everyday costs," said Former New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer. "I am proud to endorse Carl Wilson for City Council in District 3, and I am confident he will be an independent, principled voice who fights for transparency, fiscal responsibility, and real results for the community.”

“Carl Wilson has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen community for more than a decade. Whether serving as a volunteer or as a council employee, Carl has consistently shown up to advocate for the people and priorities that make our neighborhood strong. His deep experience within City Council is an invaluable asset at a time when the landscape of city government is rapidly evolving. Through his integrity, dedication, and results-driven leadership, Carl has earned the trust of our community and proven himself ready to serve as our next City Council Member. I am proud to support Carl Wilson—not only as a capable leader, but as a trusted friend and colleague in this race,” said 75B District Leader Adrienne Ford.

"With his experience working for two different City Council Members, his employment with a local Business Improvement District (Fifth Avenue Association), and his time volunteering on Community Board 4, Carl Wilson has the best qualifications of any candidate in this race to serve as the District 3 City Council Member. Carl personifies the New York City dream of coming here to build a life while facing the obstructions of affordability and access. Carl has proven his leadership by successfully fighting for affordable housing, standing up to casinos, and campaigning to knock out the machine-style politics of the old Tammany Hall. For these reasons I am honored to endorse Carl Wilson for City Council,” said Democratic Party District and Assembly District 75B Leader Paul Devlin.

"I've known Carl for over a decade. Knowing him as a friend and as someone I've worked hand in hand with in politics I believe he has what it takes to lead our district in city council. Carl is someone who will fight for the people and work with our mayor and council to ensure we pass meaningful legislation for New Yorkers to ensure affordability, equity, and progress,” said State Committee Member Marti Cummings.

See the community leaders who have already joined the campaign below:

Liz Abzug • Miguel Acevedo, NYCHA Fulton Houses Tenant President • Nick Alder • Tommy Anderson • Ted Arenas, Hell's Kitchen Business Owner • Jonathan Baker • Laura Baran • Roberta Barnett • David Barton • Ilana Becker, Finance Director, Berger Hirschberg Strategies LLC • Ben Becton • Steve Belida, HK 49-51 Block Association Block President • Andrew Bernardo • Daniel Bernardo • Christine Berthet, CHEKPEDS Founder • Charlie Beal, Founder, Gilbert Baker Foundation • John Bishop • Adam Bokunewicz • Casey Braun • Jim Bredeson, Penn South Cooperator • Liam Buckley • Erika Burho • Julia Campanelli, Hell's Kitchen Block Assoication President • Lisa Cannistraci, Owener, Henrietta Hudson • Sarah Caranza • Jonathan Cerullo • Brian Cheng • Cody Clarke • Kevin Collins • Sean Coughlin, Former HK Dems President • Jackie Cox, Hell's Kitchen Based Drag Artist • Marti Cummings, State Committee Member • Tom D'angora, Owner, West Bank Cafe • Suzy Darling, Owner, Pocket Bar and Back Pocket Bar • Aidan Davis, Hell's Kitchen Small Business Owner • David DeParolesa, Hell's Kitchen Small Business Owner • Mario Deras • Paul Devlin, District Leader, 75B • Tina DiFeliciantonio • Suzanne Dirks • JC Dombrowski • Caroline Donahue, Corresponding Secretary, VID Executive Committee • Jeremy Earhart • Andrew Embree • Michael Fabiano • Omar Fattal, Former Presdient of 23rd Street Block Association • Miriam Fisher, Accessibility Rights Advocates, Irum Institute of Rational Mobility, Elevator Action Group • Adrienne Ford, District Leader, 75B • Clinton Foster • Nina Frankel • Debo Gaffney, 47/48 Street Block Association Member • Pablo Galarza, Hell's Kitchen Small Business Owner • Bransen Gates • Edward Gilliigan • Ben Gonzales • F. Eric Goshow, FAIA • Nancy Goshow, AIA • Matt Green • Paul Gronke • Charles Guenancia, Hell's Kitchen Small Business Owner • Max Guliani • Linda Guliani • Mark Guliani • Vincent Guzzone, Gilbert Baker Foundation • Brian Hammerstein • Braxton Harvey • Anthony Hayes • Stephen Herring, Member, West 47/48th Street Block Association • James Hobbie • Sean Holihan, Member, 200 West 19th Street Block Association • Hutch Hutchinson, Director of Operations, Henrietta Hudson • Kiya Jacobs, Hell's Kitchen Democrats • Suzanne Jacobsen • Yadira Jimenez, President, 601 W 41st Street Tenants • Connor Johnston • Stephanie Jones, Judicial Delegate (Alternate), Hell’s Kitchen Democrats Executive Committee Member • Rad Kalaf • Irene Kaufman • Cameron Keady, London Terrace Resident • Liz Keefe • Sara Kimbell • Wayne Kimbell • Michael Krechmar • Daniel Kressman, Member, Hell's Kitchen Democrats • Aleta Lafargue, Manhattan Plaza Tenants Association President • Marietta Lafargue, Manhattan Plaza Resident • Cat Lafferty, Vice Chair, Clinton Community Garden, Hell’s Kitchen Gardning Volunteer, Dewitt Clinton Park Volunteer Gardner • Samir Lavingia • Jeffrey Lefrancois • Adam Lewis • Edwin Li • Cody Lindquist, PS 212 PTA Parent and Public School Advocate • Kate Linker, Chelsea Organizer and Activist • Maxwell Losgar • Franklin Lowe • Gloria Lowe • Eric Marcus, Executive Director, Making Gay History, Publisher of Chelsea Neighborhood Newsletter • Jospeh Marino • Ronnie Marks, The Hepatistis C Mentor & Support Group • Fran Martin • Marguerite Martin, Co-Chair, West 12th Street Block Association • Carter Maxwell • Kevin McAnarney, Member, Hell's Kitchen Democrats • Daniel McConvey • Laura McGill, Gardner, Clinton Community Garden • Bill McLean • Kyle Mendez • Rev. Timothy Mitchell • Andra Gabrielle Mooney • Gregory Morris • Dejon Mullings • Stephen Multari • Wesley Naught • Isabella Nave, Deputy Finance Director, Berger Hirschberg Strategies LLC • Kathy Nizzari, Founder and Chair, Lights Out Coalition • Tim Ousey • Bruce Patcher, Police Commissioner Advisory Board • Penny Penzner • Rich Persky • Megan Piznak, Owner, Chelsea Video • Bradford Proctor • Sheila Puopolo, Treasurer, West 12th Street Block Association • Ariel Quinones • Ryan Raftery • Richard Ridge • Julie Ridge • Ruby Rims, Hell’s Kitchen Democrats Executive Committee, Board of Trustees Judson Memorial Church, Lifetime Member of Manhattan Association of Cabaret • Mark Robinson • Eddie Rodriguez, West Village Houses • Danny Rosemarin, Gotham West Tenant Leader • Chuck Rosenberg, Former Vice President, Manhattan Plaza Tenants Association • Anastasia Samoza, Disability Rights Advocate • Sheree Sano • Carl Schmel • Cece Scott • Thomas Shanahan • Dan Shinaberry • Bryan Sloane, PS11 PTA Parent • Dan Spinello • Eileen Spinner • Steve Starotsa, Former 15th Street Block Association President • Ajani Stella, West 17th Street Resident • Jos Stella, West 17th Street Resident • Nita Stella, West 17th Street Resident • Garrett Telaroli • Chuck Thomas • David Tobin • Emily Tobin • Charlie Todd, Safe Streets Advocate • Taylor Toth, London Terrace Resident • Kathleen Treat, Founder, Hell's Kitchen Neighborhood Alliance • Martin Treat, Former Member of Community Board 4 • Guillermo Vald • Andrew Vurlumis, Director Emeritus Big Apple Recreational Sports • John Wahlmeier, District Leader, 67B • Matt Waldbaure • Darlene Waters, Former NYCHA Elliot Chelsea Tenant President • Sheila Weiss, Member, Hell’s Kitchen Democrats • Patrick Wesonga • Danny Whitman • Rabbi Chezky Wolff, The Chelsea Shul • Lynn Wong, West Village Houses

*Organizations are for identification purposes only

###