Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Bryan Hodge Vasquez for City Council District 14

Candidate Name: Bryan Hodge Vasquez

Office Seeking Election for: New York City Council District 14

Campaign Website: https://www.hodgevasquez.com/

1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?

A decade of inaction has left the Northwest Bronx with having to grapple with collapsing buildings, rising gun violence, and rampant price gouging. While this decade of inaction has left

our neighborhoods struggling, I’ve been on the ground delivering results, from standing up for tenants’ rights to mobilizing resources for families in crisis. My legal training, community leadership during COVID-19, and relentless advocacy for working families have proven that real solutions come from rolling up our sleeves, not relying on empty slogans. I know what needs to be done, and I have the proven track record, the passion, and the commitment to bring about the change our community has long deserved.

2. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally? What LGBTQ candidates have you endorsed?

I’ve been actively involved with the Stonewall Democratic Club, regularly attending events to support their efforts toward LGBTQ+ equality. Throughout my involvement, I’ve also backed a range of LGBTQ+ candidates at every level—from Pete Buttigieg’s groundbreaking presidential campaign to local leaders who champion fairness and inclusion. My commitment is driven by my fundamental belief in uplifting diverse voices and advocating for policies that protect and empower the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.

3. If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club on all literature and electronic materials?

Yes.

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?

Over the years, I have engaged deeply in community advocacy, attending hundreds of rallies, protests, and press conferences in support of LGBTQ+ rights, pro-choice legislation, racial justice, and criminal justice reform. I will continue showing up, raising my voice, and working tirelessly to champion the rights of all New Yorkers.

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 believe we must take bold, proactive steps to protect New Yorkers against a hostile federal government. First, we need to bolster our legal services so that anyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality counsel in every legal proceeding. Second, we should be prepared to litigate immediately against any unlawful federal actions that target women, LGBTQ+ individuals, racial minorities, or immigrants. Finally, we must build a broad coalition across the city and state—partnering with grassroots organizations, local advocates, and fellow elected officials—to ensure that our fundamental rights are safeguarded and that New York remains a beacon of inclusion and justice for all.

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 cannot and will not align myself with individuals who oppose LGBTQ+ rights or women’s rights. If I were ever faced with an endorsement from someone whose views undermine the dignity and rights of our community, I would make clear my commitment to advancing policies that protect and empower everyone.

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?

8. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion?

I have consistently supported women's health and the autonomy to make personal choices. Last year, I proudly supported the Equal Rights Amendment, and now that it is part of our state constitutional law, I am even more dedicated—as a Juris Doctor and as the next Councilmember for the 14th Council District—to upholding the principles enshrined in the New York State Constitution and the New York City Charter. I remain committed to protecting all fundamental rights and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to make decisions that are best for their own lives.

9. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?

I have not yet hosted or funded a Drag Story Hour.

10. What proposals will do you support to increase the protection of immigrants and cement New York City’s status as a Sanctuary City?

I firmly believe that robust legal representation is essential to upholding the rights of every individual. As the only candidate holding a law degree, I know firsthand the critical role our judiciary plays in protecting our community. I am committed to increasing funding for legal aid services and strengthening immigration support networks, while also expanding

community-based programs that offer vital housing, healthcare, and education. These initiatives are key to ensuring that New York City remains a welcoming and safe haven for all residents.

11. How will you represent the most vulnerable, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers? Have you ever opposed any shelter in your district?

Due to decades of inaction by local leaders, my community has witnessed firsthand how our buildings can collapse and fires can rage, leaving families and individuals vulnerable to homelessness in an instant. I believe we must work closely with nonprofits to ensure that immediate homelessness is remedied and that wrap-around organizations like Part of the Solution (POTS) are fully supported to provide the essential services needed to rebuild lives. I am committed to representing our most vulnerable residents with policies that prioritize rapid, compassionate intervention and long-term stability.

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.

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.

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.

I believe we must continue to reform our penal system to be, where applicable, as rehabilitative as possible under the circumstances of each individual case.

15. Do you oppose the death penalty?

Yes.

16. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?

It is clear that our penal system needs to evolve into one that prioritizes rehabilitation. I support measures that prioritize rehabilitative approaches that consider the unique circumstances of each case, ensuring that every individual, where applicable, has the opportunity to reintegrate and heal.

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 commit to visiting incarcerated constituents and ensuring they have access to legal representation to advocate on their behalf. I further firmly believe that all individuals deserve the equal right to petition for commutation and receive an unbiased hearing.

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?

My priority right now is addressing the urgent challenges facing the Northwest Bronx—such as collapsing buildings, the uptick in gun violence, and ensuring lower grocery costs for hardworking families that have been caused by decades of inaction. I am solutions driven and rather than focusing on previous elections, I remain committed to delivering real solutions for the Northwest Bronx.

21. Which 2025 Democratic candidates have you removed from your consideration? Have you endorsed anyone? If so, who?

My current focus is on tackling the most pressing issues in our neighborhoods—lower gun violence, rent, and grocery prices—so that we can build a stronger, more equitable Northwest Bronx.

22. Do you support the renaming of the Ed Koch bridge and will you work towards the renaming including sponsoring such legislation?

I will support the council members whose districts cover the bridge, deferring to their expertise as they understand the specific needs and wishes of their communities.

23. What are your plans to address rent affordability in NYC? Did you vote for “City of Yes”? If not, please explain.

My plan is simple and direct: we must ensure that every new housing development in our community matches the income levels of our residents—something that is not happening today. In my district, rents are more than most people earn in a year, and many developments that are labeled as "affordable" come with starting rents and income requirements far beyond what our community can manage. I will take immediate action to increase genuinely affordable housing options, streamline qualification processes, and champion community-centered developments that truly serve the needs of our neighborhoods. I am committed to transforming our housing market so that it works for the people.

24. What are your plans regarding short-term housing?

Due to decades of inaction by local leaders, my community has witnessed firsthand how our buildings can collapse and fires can rage, leaving families and individuals vulnerable to homelessness in an instant. I believe we must work closely with nonprofits to ensure that immediate homelessness is remedied and that wrap-around organizations like Part of the Solution (POTS) are fully supported to provide the essential services needed to rebuild lives. I am committed to representing our most vulnerable residents—those experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers—with policies that prioritize rapid, compassionate intervention and long-term stability.

25. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why should we believe you would be a dynamic and progressive voice in elected office?

I’m not just the only Afro-Dominican LGBTQ candidate in this race—I’m also the only one with Juris Doctorate and the only one who has consistently been on the ground, working for real progress where it matters most. My experience stretches from Congressman Espaillat’s office to the City Council, from advocating in the Bronx Supreme Court to driving change in nonprofits, and through every step I’ve witnessed how collapsing buildings, escalating gun violence, and skyrocketing costs directly harm working families. Armed with my legal background and a deep sense of community responsibility, I am ready to stand up against a hostile federal agenda, champion the expansion of community-based clinics, demand truly affordable housing, and fight for every individual’s rights—from safeguarding medical access to protecting LGBTQ+ equality. These aren’t just talking points—they are the real, tangible steps I’m prepared to take on day one to deliver the dynamic, progressive leadership our district has long deserved.

26. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?

I am the only candidate in my race who was born and bred in New York, educated in some of our city’s finest institutions, and who believes—deep in my bones—that New York truly is the greatest city in the world. Unlike those who offer fancy slogans that have led to collapsing buildings, surging gun and gang violence, and extreme price gouging, I’ve dedicated my career

to delivering genuine, measurable solutions. I understand the urgent needs of our families and businesses because I’ve lived and learned here my entire life, witnessing firsthand what happens when the government neglects its people. My commitment is to fight tirelessly for lower rent, lower gun violence, and lower grocery prices—so that all New Yorkers can thrive, not just survive.

27. Are you a potential candidate for City Council speaker in the upcoming term? If so, what is your platform?

questionnaireJim Owles Liberal Democratic ClubApril 27, 2025nyc 2025