2023 New York City elections

2023 New York City elections were held on November 7, 2023, to fill all fifty-one seats of the New York City Council and several citywide offices, including Public Advocate and Comptroller. The elections occurred during the first term of Mayor Eric Adams, who was not on the ballot. Characterized by historically low voter turnout, the races were dominated by debates over local issues such as public safety, affordable housing, and the city's ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City.

Background

The electoral cycle followed the 2021 New York City elections, which saw Eric Adams win the mayoralty and a significant progressive shift within the New York City Council. The 2023 contests were the first conducted under new City Council district maps drawn by the New York City Districting Commission, following the 2020 United States census. Key contextual factors included Mayor Adams's declining approval ratings, ongoing concerns about crime in New York City, the migrant crisis in New York City, and budgetary pressures. The Democratic Party held a overwhelming voter registration advantage, making party primaries held in June effectively decisive for most seats.

Mayoral election

No mayoral election was held, as the Mayor of New York City serves a four-year term. Mayor Eric Adams, elected in 2021, remained in office. His administration's performance and policy agenda, particularly on issues like the NYPD and Department of Homeless Services, heavily influenced the campaigns for other offices. Political observers viewed the council elections as a midterm referendum on his leadership, with several candidates distancing themselves from the mayor's policies.

City Council elections

All fifty-one New York City Council districts were contested. The Democratic Party maintained its supermajority, though several incumbents faced stiff primary challenges. Notable races included the defeat of Progressive Caucus leader Charles Barron in Brooklyn by Chris Banks, a more moderate Democrat. In Queens, Julie Won easily retained her seat, while in Manhattan, Erik Bottcher won re-election. Several open seats were created by incumbents term-limited out by the New York City Charter, including those of Francisco Moya and Kalman Yeger. The Republican Party gained one seat in Staten Island with the election of David Carr, but failed to make significant inroads elsewhere.

Other citywide elections

The office of the Public Advocate, held by Jumaane Williams, was not up for election. The Comptroller's office, held by Brad Lander, was also not on the ballot. However, two citywide ballot questions were presented to voters. The first, known as the "Equal Rights Amendment," sought to expand the New York City Human Rights Law to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on a person's "pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, reproductive healthcare, and autonomy." The second question proposed removing a Charter requirement for a minimum debt service fund, a technical budgetary measure. Both measures passed.

Results and analysis

Voter turnout was approximately 21.5%, one of the lowest rates for a general election in modern city history. The Democratic Party retained firm control of the New York City Council, winning 47 of the 51 seats. The results were interpreted as a consolidation of power for the council's moderate and centrist factions, with setbacks for the most progressive members aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America. The passage of the ballot measure on reproductive rights was seen as a direct political response to the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. The low turnout and localized focus of the campaigns underscored the challenges facing citywide political mobilization outside of a mayoral election year.

Category:2023 New York City elections Category:2023 elections in the United States Category:New York City Council elections