Epstein to declare run for Council

The Democratic mayoral primary isn’t the only 2025 election that’s heating up. Flanked by two former representatives of the district, Democratic Assembly Member Harvey Epstein will officially declare his candidacy for City Council District 2 – the block stretching from the Lower East Side to Kips Bay currently represented by term-limited Council Member Carlina Rivera – at a press conference Saturday. 

Epstein’s bid to represent the district – which overlaps with his current Assembly district – was expected since last week, when his registration was reported. In addition to former Council Members Margarita Lopez and Rosie Mendez, Epstein is announcing a slate of endorsements from tenant association presidents and other local leaders, including several district leaders. The endorsements from tenant association leaders suggests Epstein’s campaign will highlight progressive credentials, including his work on housing issues and prior role as a tenant member of the Rent Guidelines Board.

Epstein, who joined the Assembly in 2018, already has competition in the primary, including from Manhattan Community Board 3 Chair Andrea Gordillo and Vice Chair Sarah Batchu.