Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Andrea Gordillo for City Council District 2
Candidate Name: Andrea Gordillo
Office Seeking Election for: New York City Council District 2
Campaign Website: https://www.andreagordillo.nyc/
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
I am running because my community urged me to run and I believe I, as the only Latina in this race, am ready to carry on the tradition of strong Latina leadership in my district. We need a fresh voice and new perspectives if we’re going to tackle our issues. My experiences fighting for more affordable housing as Chair of Community Board 3, my time as directing arts and cultural programming in the Lower East Side, and my deep roots in my community well positions me to know what my district needs and how I can best serve my constituents.
2. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally? What LGBTQ candidates have you endorsed?
Throughout my career as an arts and nonprofit worker, I have built partnerships within my community among LGBTQ organizations such as Visual AIDS and the Audre Lorde Project, where I promoted artistic and cultural projects that bring awareness to influential queer and trans figures like Silvia Rivera.
I have continued to stand with Transformative Schools, a group of CEC2 parents who organize to defend the rights of trans kids in schools. Their work combats the hateful actions and scapegoating from the likes of Maud Maron, Moms for Liberty, and PLACE. I have been a long time board member of Jim Owles, and remain very honored to keep his memory alive through organizing and promoting the political power we need to establish the freedom, dignity, and self determination for the LGBTQIA community and beyond.
I haven’t gotten to the point in the race where I am endorsing anyone but I would definitely endorse LGBTQ candidates that align with my values.
3. If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club on all literature and electronic materials?
Yes I do!
4. What press conferences, demonstrations, rallies and protests in support of LGBT issues, pro-choice legislation, racial justice, criminal justice have you attended, including rallies specifically against Donald Trump?
I have attended numerous demonstrations in support of LGBT issues, pro-choice, racial justice, and criminal justice. Just last week, I attended three demonstrations, two against Donald Trump/Eric Adams and one in support of immigrant New Yorkers hosted by the New York Immigrant Coalition (NYIC).
5. In light of the upcoming Trump Administration’s war on women, the LGBTQ+ community, racial minorities and immigrants, what are your plans to organize and combat the Trump agenda?
I will do any and everything in my power to organize and combat the Trump agenda. I will stand with the LGBTQ+ community, racial minorities and immigrants. I will stand with aligned organizations at marches, rallies, protests, press conferences, and on picket lines;
re-tweet/post/share your messaging on social media; publicly and privately bringing pressure on federal elected officials; and sign onto, introduce, and advocate for legislation that strengthens protections for marginalized groups.
6. Will you seek or accept endorsements of individuals who oppose LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights, such as Ruben Diaz Sr., Fernando Cabrera or Erick Salgado? Will you pledge to denounce their homophobia and anti-choice positions in the event you receive an endorsement from such individuals?
No, I will not seek or accept endorsements of individuals who oppose LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights and in the event of this, I will denounce homophobia and anti-choice positions.
7. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion?
Yes, absolutely.
8. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?
I have supported Drag Story Hours in my community and when elected will continue to do so!
9. What proposals will you support to increase the protection of immigrants and cement New York City’s status as a Sanctuary City?
I will support all legislation to protect immigrant communities, for example passing and enforcing provisions that prevent collusion between the state and ICE, ending and prohibiting contracts between NYC and ICE, and investing in community accompaniment and post-release services for victims.
10. How will you represent the most vulnerable, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers? Have you ever opposed any shelter in your district?
I have never opposed a shelter in my district, and am committed to representing the most vulnerable. I will continue to advocate for expanding and improving affordable housing, just as I have as Chair of Community Board 3 where I’ve helped build more affordable housing in my district.
11. If incumbent, are you a co-sponsor of Resolution 2970, introduced by Council Member Shahana Hanif? If not yet elected, will you promise to co-sponsor the resolution? The text urges the NYS Legislature to pass the New York for All Act, which would ensure
state and local resources are not used to facilitate federal immigration enforcement. If not, please explain.
Yes, I promise to co-sponsor the resolution.
12. If incumbent, are you a co-sponsor of Resolution 2917, introduced by Council Member Crystal Hudson? If not yet elected, will you promise to co-sponsor the resolution? The text endorses the Access to Representation Act, which would establish a “universal right to counsel” for indigent New Yorkers who are subject to removal proceedings under federal immigration law. If not, please explain.
Yes, I promise to co-sponsor the resolution.
13. Will you join our efforts to pass legislation mandating the review of sentences of incarcerated individuals over the age of 55 who have served in excess of 15 years to determine if they warrant release? The legislation is commonly known as the New York Elder Parole Bill.
Yes, I will join your efforts!
14. Do you oppose the death penalty?
Yes, I do.
15. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?
Yes, I do.
16. Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated? Will you work to secure the release of individuals who have demonstrated sincere remorse, worked toward rehabilitation and are not deemed a threat to society?
Yes, I will.
17. Do you commit to working to change our penal system toward a restorative rather than a retributive model of justice?
Yes, I do.
18. Do you commit to make applications for clemencies available to your constituency including a link to an application in a constituent newsletter? Will you submit it to our club?
Yes I commit to this and will submit it to my club.
19. . Who did you support for mayor in the 2021 Democratic primary election?
Maya Wiley and Dianne Morales.
20. Which 2025 Democratic candidates have you removed from your consideration? Have you endorsed anyone? If so, who?
I have removed Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo. I haven’t endorsed anyone.
21. Do you support the renaming of the Ed Koch bridge and will you work towards the renaming including sponsoring such legislation?
Yes, I support the renaming and will help sponsor such legislation.
22. What are your plans to address rent affordability in NYC? Did you vote for “City of Yes”? If not, please explain.
Yes, I supported City of Yes. The #1 issue in this election is housing affordability and it’s a top priority of my campaign. If elected, I would continue to work toward expanding Community Land Trusts, which would expand the availability of affordable housing options. I will also work to build additional Supportive Housing and expand the Housing Voucher Programs so we can work towards ending homelessness.
23. What are your plans regarding short-term housing?
I support a ban on short-term rentals like Airbnb. These short-term rentals have hurt tenants and have contributed to our housing crisis. You can count on me to oppose the new Intro 1107 bill that would weaken or eliminate short-term rental regulations as well as any other efforts that come in the way of making housing more affordable and available.
24. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why should we believe you would be a dynamic and progressive voice in elected office?
I am a daughter of Peruvian immigrants. My family faced many of the challenges my neighbors and New Yorkers face everyday when they came here 40 years ago. To this day, I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck, and most of my life, I’ve never had consistent healthcare, even with the privilege of having a family that comes from the public health sector.
I’ve supported my community through their daily struggles as a cultural leader, as the chair of my community board, as president of the local, progressive democratic club, developing civic engagement and political power in the district to fight against the affordability crisis and
displacement for nearly a decade. Women in my community, from my councilwoman, congresswoman, colleagues, and neighbors have consistently elevated my leadership and I’d work my absolute hardest to serve my mission.
25. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
I am running to make our city more just and equitable. I will unequivocally show up and support Jim Owles club as well as its aligned organizations in any way possible and you can count on me to support you all in any way you need.
26. Are you a potential candidate for City Council speaker in the upcoming term? If so, what is your platform?
N/A