Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Benjamin Chou for City Council District 19
Candidate Name: Benjamin Chou
Office Seeking Election for: New York City Council District 19
Campaign Website: https://www.benchou4ny.com/
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
My years as a firefighter provide a unique and needed perspective on the City Council. As a first responder, I’ve seen people on their worst days: homes burned down, a family member needing CPR, someone trapped in an overturned car. I want to leverage that experience to help prevent those worst days from happening — by fighting for safer streets, stronger services, and a government that shows up for people before a crisis hits.
I was raised in Douglaston, Queens, and lived in the district my entire life. I’m the son of Chinese-Burmese immigrants who came here seeking opportunity. They worked tirelessly to provide our family with a middle-class life, something increasingly out of reach for too many New Yorkers today. Their values of hard work, education, and community shaped who I am and continue to guide the way I serve.
Inspired by the heroes of 9/11, I became a firefighter in 2014. Beyond the firehouse, I’ve led as president of the FDNY Phoenix Society, advocating for Asian American and Pacific Islander members across the department. I earned my master’s degree from Baruch College while working full-time. That blend of service, advocacy, and lived experience prepares me to be an effective, principled voice for District 19 on the City Council.
2. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally? What LGBTQ candidates have you endorsed?
As President of the FDNY Phoenix Society, a sibling organization to FireFLAG/EMS, I have worked to ensure that LGBTQ+ firefighters, EMS professionals, and their families feel fully supported, respected, and included within the FDNY and beyond. I have helped organize events that celebrate our shared community and increase visibility for LGBTQ+ first responders.
These efforts not only uplift LGBTQ+ first responders, they strengthen the FDNY as a whole, helping it become a more inclusive institution that truly reflects the diversity of New York City.
I have not endorsed any LGBTQ candidates as this is my first time running for public office.
3. If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club on all literature and electronic materials?
Yes, we will identify Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club’s endorsement on our website and on any literature where we’re listing endorsements.
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 not yet attended rallies or protests on these issues, but that does not diminish my commitment. My focus is on uniting the community and driving meaningful, lasting change through concrete actions. I will be a visible and vocal ally in the fights ahead.
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?
This is exactly why I’m running. The Trump agenda threatens fundamental rights and freedoms — from reproductive healthcare to equality for LGBTQ+ people, from racial justice to fair treatment of immigrant communities. Our district deserves a representative who will stand up to that hate and division. I will work with community leaders and advocacy groups to defend the rights of everyday New Yorkers, expand opportunity, and ensure no one is left behind.
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?
I will not seek or accept endorsements from these individuals or others like them.
7. 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?
Asked and answered.
8. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion?
Yes, and I am proud to have just received the backing of PPGNY.
9. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?
I have not in my capacity as a private citizen but I would be supportive as a City Council member.
10. What proposals will you support to increase the protection of immigrants and cement New York City’s status as a Sanctuary City?
ICE has not focused on hardened criminals as promised, but instead on hard-working taxpayers. Recent history only reinforces the need to bar city agencies from cooperating with an organization that uses inhumane tactics to terrorize our immigrant communities.
11. How will you represent the most vulnerable, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers? Have you ever opposed any shelter in your district?
I will always stand up for the most vulnerable members of our community, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers. Every person deserves dignity, safety, and the chance to build a better future, no matter their circumstances.
I have never opposed a shelter in my district. In fact, my hometown of Douglaston is home to the district’s only short-term housing facility, which shows how, when we partner with the community and provide the right supports, we can create positive outcomes both for residents and for those seeking stability. I believe this model can guide how we expand services across the city — with compassion, accountability, and collaboration.
12. 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, if elected, I will co-sponsor.
13. 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, if elected, I will co-sponsor.
14. 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.
15. Do you oppose the death penalty?
Yes.
16. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?
Yes.
17. 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.
18. Do you commit to working to change our penal system toward a restorative rather than a retributive model of justice?
Yes.
19. 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.
20. . Who did you support for mayor in the 2021 Democratic primary election?
Andrew Yang
21. Which 2025 Democratic candidates have you removed from your consideration? Have you endorsed anyone? If so, who?
N/A, the Democratic nominee for mayor is a settled issue.
22. Do you support the renaming of the Ed Koch bridge and will you work towards the renaming including sponsoring such legislation?
Yes
23. What are your plans to address rent affordability in NYC? Did you vote for “City of Yes”? If not, please explain.
My district is made up of a significant number of homeowners who are also facing an affordability crisis — the cost of taxes, utilities, and everyday life is rising at a pace that risks driving them out of their homes (especially concerning for older adults on fixed incomes). Therefore, my focus is on reining in the affordability crisis in ways that meaningfully affect the residents of District 19.
We need to start by fixing our broken property tax system. Luxury condo owners in Manhattan are getting massive breaks while working- and middle-class homeowners in Queens pay more than their fair share. Closing those loopholes and making sure high-end properties are taxed at their true value would generate revenue for the City without burdening sthe working- and middle-class. It would also take away the incentive for developers to build luxury buildings that do nothing to address housing and drive up costs for everyone.
We must also reduce the crushing costs of utilities. Every month, you’re paying a hidden tax on your Con Ed bill — and most New Yorkers don’t even realize it. The City charges Con Edison property taxes, and they quietly pass the cost on to you. This backdoor tax hits working- and middle-class households hardest. We need to rein in the City’s portion of this hidden tax and demand transparency from Con Ed on the property taxes they are passing onto you. It's time for real relief that puts money back in the pockets of everyday New Yorkers.
24. What are your plans regarding short-term housing?
Access to stable housing is a basic need, and short-term housing plays a critical role in preventing homelessness and helping families get back on their feet. I will continue to support and expand short-term housing options in our district where the community works together to provide compassion, stability, and real solutions.
25. Do you support fully divesting city pension funds from Tesla?
No — if we start targeting and divesting from individual companies like Tesla because of the actions of the people at the top, we’ll quickly run out of publicly traded companies to invest in. Pension funds need a broad, diverse portfolio to stay strong and protect workers’ retirements.
26. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why should we believe you would be a dynamic and progressive voice in elected office?
I take inspiration from leaders like Senator John Liu, whose endorsement I’m proud to have, and who has shown how progressive, community-driven leadership can deliver real results. With energy, experience, and a proven commitment to fighting for working families, I will be a strong, independent voice ready to challenge the status quo when it holds our community back.
27. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
Sadly, my opponent vilifies the LGBTQ+ community. She was officially removed from the City Council’s Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction in 2023 in response to undignified, baseless attacks she made about the community. Here’s a choice selection of other comments she’s made targeting the transgender community:
“Boys aren’t girls and there’s no such thing as a ‘trans kid.’”
“There’s no such thing as a ‘trans kid’, only abusive parents and a corrupt medical system.”
“I think it’s time for a complete end to transgender therapies at any age. Ban it. Make it illegal. Enabling mental illness and validating delusion has never worked and this is no exception.
It’s a failed experiment with zero civilizational upside. It’s time to just admit it.”
Unlike her, I will use my position as a City Council Member to pursue and support legislation and policies that protect, honor, and respect the LGBTQ+ community in New York.
28. Are you a potential candidate for City Council speaker in the upcoming term? If so, what is your platform?
I am not running for Speaker.