2021 New York City Council election
The 2021 New York City Council elections were held on November 2, 2021. The primary elections were held on June 22, 2021.[2] There were several special elections for seats vacated in 2020 and early 2021; these special elections were the first to use ranked-choice voting in city council elections after it was approved by a ballot question in 2019[3] and the second to use ranked-choice voting since New York City repealed PR-STV in 1945.[4] Due to redistricting after the 2020 Census, candidates also ran for two-year terms instead of four-year terms for the first time, stemming from the New York City Charter overhaul in 1989.[5] Four-year terms will resume in the 2025 election after another two-year election in 2023.
Manhattan[edit]
District 1[edit]
The 1st district covers the very bottom of Manhattan, including the Financial District, Tribeca, and Soho. Incumbent Democrat Margaret Chin was term-limited and could not run for a fourth consecutive term. Christopher Marte was seen as the most progressive candidate in the race, while Jenny Low was noted for the major endorsements she had received and Gigi Li had outgoing councilwoman Chin's support.[9] Marte's campaign was bolstered by anger within the district at Chin's ties to real-estate developers, as well as by name recognition Marte had gained while attempting to primary Chin in the previous council election.[10]
Manhattan/Bronx crossover[edit]
District 8[edit]
The 8th district covers East Harlem in Manhattan, Mott Haven and parts of High Bridge in The Bronx, and Randalls Island. Incumbent Democrat Diana Ayala was running for reelection.
Bronx[edit]
District 11[edit]
The 11th district covers the most northwestern part of the Bronx, including Riverdale, Fieldston, Spuyten Devil, Kingsbridge, parts of Bedford Park, Norwood, Woodlawn, and parts of Wakefield. This seat is currently filled by Eric Dinowitz. The incumbent was Democrat Andrew Cohen, who was elected judge of the New York Supreme Court 12th Judicial District in 2020. A non-partisan special election was held on March 23, 2021, with the winner being eligible to run for a full term.
The election used ranked choice voting, with Eric Dinowitz remaining in the lead for all six rounds.[123]
Bronx/Queens crossover[edit]
District 22[edit]
The 22nd district is currently vacant. The incumbent was Democrat Costa Constantinides, who was term-limited and could not run for a third consecutive term. He resigned to take a position as CEO of Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens.
Queens[edit]
District 19[edit]
In the 19th district, Democrat Paul Vallone was term-limited. Republican Vickie Paladino won a close race over Democrat Tony Avella.
Queens/Brooklyn crossover[edit]
District 34[edit]
In the 34th district, incumbent Democrat Antonio Reynoso was term-limited and could not run for a third consecutive term. He filed to run for Brooklyn Borough President.
Brooklyn[edit]
District 33[edit]
In the 33rd district, incumbent Democrat Stephen Levin was term-limited and could not run for a fourth consecutive term.
Staten Island[edit]
District 49[edit]
In the 49th district, incumbent Democrat Debi Rose was term-limited and could not run for a fourth consecutive term.
Corey Johnson could not run for re-election as Speaker because of term limits. The following individuals expressed their interest in running:[520]
Joe Borelli (District 51, Staten Island) was expected to lead the Republican minority.[521]