February 10 2026, 08:15 
Gay former New York City Council member Erik Bottcher (D) clobbered his Republican opponent in a recent special election for New York State Senator last week – and he has already cast his first vote.
With 88% of the votes counted, Bottcher defeated Charlotte Friedman, receiving 91.8% of the vote to her 7.5%. Friedman’s campaign website advocates for “fighting socialism,” eradicating antisemitism, and ensuring “illegal aliens… [are] removed promptly.”
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“Tonight, the people of the 47th District made a clear choice for progress, integrity, and leadership that shows up,” Bottcher said in an election night statement. “I’m deeply grateful to every voter, volunteer, and neighbor who believed that government should work harder for working families — and I’m excited to get to work.”
He promised to be a “relentless advocate for safer streets, more affordable housing, reliable transit, and an economy that rewards work and treats people with dignity.”
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Bottcher will replace the 47th district’s most recent state senator, gay Democrat Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who vacated his seat after being elected Manhattan borough president. Bottcher was originally running for Congress but changed course (despite setting a New York state fundraising record upon announcing his congressional candidacy) when Hoylman-Sigal announced he was stepping down.
“This decision is rooted in where I believe I can do the most good immediately,” Bottcher said in a statement in December. “The State Senate is where critical decisions are being made on housing affordability, addressing the mental health crisis, safeguarding our environment, and defending New York from the Trump agenda. At a moment when MAGA extremists are attacking our freedoms and undermining democracy, strong state leadership matters more than ever.”
“Running for public office has never been about titles for me,” Bottcher said. “It has never been about chasing the position with the most power. It has always been about where I can make the most meaningful difference and help make people’s lives better.”
Bottcher represented Manhattan’s Third City Council District from 2022 until now and was term-limited from running again. There, he represents a large LGBTQ+ constituency in Chelsea, the West Village, and Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan.
Last week, Bottcher celebrated casting his first vote as a state lawmaker in favor of the Medical Aid in Dying Act, originally sponsored by Hoylman-Sigal. “I am honored to continue the work of expanding compassionate choices for New Yorkers facing terminal illness,” he wrote on Instagram, explaining that the state senate finalized the bill’s passage after approving an amendment, “and I look forward to advocating for more policies that uphold dignity and respect.”
Another New York Democrat, Keith Powers, also dominated his special election for a seat in the New York State Assembly. Powers received 82.25% of the vote, compared to his opponent Joseph Foley (R)’s 16.73%.
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