Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Carl Wilson for City Council District 3
Candidate Name: Carl Wilson
Office Seeking Election for: New York City Council District 3
Campaign Website: https://www.carlwilsonnyc.com/
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
I am running because the West Side of Manhattan is not just where I live. It is where I found my home, my community, and my purpose.
I moved to New York City in 2009 as a struggling actor looking for work and a place where I could truly belong. In Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea, and the West Village, the heart of New York City’s LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, I found exactly that. This district gave me the freedom to live my truest self and the sense of responsibility to give back to the community that welcomed me.
After the 2016 presidential election, I felt a deep sense of heartbreak and urgency about the direction of our country. That moment pushed me to pivot fully into public service. I knew that if I wanted to protect the values that this community stands for, I had to stop watching from the sidelines and start organizing locally.
I co-founded the Hell’s Kitchen Democrats to build a true grassroots, progressive home on the West Side and to challenge entrenched political power that was no longer serving our neighborhoods. That work helped create a lasting, community driven organization that continues to uplift local voices and advance progressive policy in District 3.
As Chief of Staff to Council Member Erik Bottcher, I have helped deliver real results for New Yorkers, including landmark environmental protections, gun violence prevention legislation, and major housing initiatives that are making our city fairer, safer, and more affordable. I have also worked every day alongside tenants, nonprofit providers, advocates, and community leaders to solve real problems on the ground.
My vision is a District 3 where people can afford to stay in the neighborhoods they love, where our LGBTQ+ communities and civil rights are actively protected, where quality of life and public safety are taken seriously, and where our arts and creative communities are able to thrive.
As the only LGBTQ+ candidate in this race, and with my extensive experience working across the district, I know I am best fit to continue delivering for this community as its next Council Member. I would be honored to do so with the support of the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club.
2. What LGBTQ+ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
In my role as Chief of Staff to Council Member Erik Bottcher, I have worked closely with and supported a wide range of LGBTQ+ organizations, including the Ali Forney Center, GMHC, The LGBT Community Center, the Hetrick-Martin Institute, the LGBT Museum, the AIDS Memorial, the Stonewall Visitor Center, and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, among others. Our office partnered with these organizations to secure significant capital and discretionary funding, helping strengthen their programs and expand the vital services they provide to our community.
3. What press conferences, demonstrations, rallies and protests in support of LGBTQ+ issues, pro-choice legislation, racial justice, criminal justice have you attended, including rallies specifically against Donald Trump and his policies?
I have consistently shown up for our communities—marching in Pride marches, rallying for trans rights, reproductive freedom, and immigrant justice, and participating in numerous demonstrations opposing Donald Trump’s attacks on women, immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, and communities of color. I believe that presence matters, especially when our neighbors are under threat.
Most recently, I attended the ICE OUT protest at Foley Square and participated in a joint press conference with City Council Members demanding accountability after a city employee was detained by ICE.
Through my work with the LGBTQIA+ Caucus, I helped advance and pass comprehensive protections for Trans New Yorkers and expand access to gender-affirming health care, turning advocacy into real and lasting change.
4. In light of the Trump Administration’s war on women, the LGBTQ+ community, minorities and immigrants, what are your plans to organize and combat the Trump agenda?
As City Council Member, I will work tirelessly in City Hall to pass legislation that strengthens local protections in New York City, funds legal defense and healthcare access, and blocks federal overreach. I will continue to organize with grassroots groups, labor unions, and advocacy organizations to mobilize resistance, educate constituents, and ensure New York City remains a firewall against Trump-era extremism and cruelty.
5. Will you seek or accept endorsements from individuals who oppose LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights?
No.
6. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion?
Yes, unequivocally. Reproductive healthcare, including abortion, is a fundamental human right and I will do everything I can as City Council Member to push back against the threats from our current federal administration and protect reproductive health care in our city.
7. 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 represent the most vulnerable individuals in District 3 by fighting for permanent affordable housing, supportive services, and humane shelter conditions. I have not opposed shelters in my district, but we do need to work to ensure they are safe and accountable to the New Yorkers they serve. I believe our response to homelessness and asylum seekers must be rooted in compassion, dignity, and evidence-based solutions.
8. How will you work to enhance protections for immigrants and uphold New York’s role as a “Sanctuary City”?
As City Council Member, I will defend and expand sanctuary policies in New York. I will oppose any cooperation with ICE that undermines due process or community trust. Immigrants are essential to our city and deserve safety and dignity.
9. Do you support New York City becoming a Transgender Sanctuary City?
Yes. I strongly support New York City becoming a Transgender Sanctuary City and will work to make that designation meaningful through healthcare access, legal protections, and funding.
10. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?
Yes. I support Drag Story Hours as joyful, affirming community events that promote inclusion, literacy, and LGBTQ+ visibility. As Chief of Staff to Council Member Erik Bottcher, I oversaw the allocation of District 3 discretionary funding to support Drag Story hour programs.
11. Have you ever opposed liquor licensing for an LGBTQ+ establishment? If so, which and why?
No. I am supportive of LGBTQ nightlife establishments and have helped applicants navigate the community board approval process.
12. If elected, will you support raising taxes on the richest New Yorkers and large corporations in order to fund the services and investments our communities need?
Yes. Our tax system should reflect our values. The wealthiest New Yorkers and large corporations must pay their fair share so we can fully fund housing, healthcare, transit, education, and social services. I look forward to working with Mayor Mamdani and our new administration on this issue.
13. How will you represent the most vulnerable, including individuals experiencing homelessness, asylum seekers and those living with disabilities and chronic illness including HIV/AIDS? Have you ever opposed any shelter in your district?
I will fight for fully funded supportive housing, accessible public infrastructure, expanded healthcare services, and strong protections for people living with HIV/AIDS and chronic illness. I have not opposed shelters in my district.
14. Will you sponsor and support legislation which will ensure that local resources are not used to facilitate or cooperate with federal immigration enforcement (New York for All Act) to prevent the funneling of people into ICE custody, and the sharing of sensitive information with ICE?
Yes. I support the New York for All Act and will actively advocate for policies that prevent collaboration with ICE and protect sensitive personal information.
15. Do you oppose the death penalty?
Yes, I oppose the death penalty.
16. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?
Yes, solitary confinement is inhumane and must be abolished.
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?
I will visit incarcerated constituents to better understand their living conditions. I will advocate for parole reform and a compassionate release for those who have earned a second chance.
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.
19. Who did you support for mayor in the 2025 Democratic primary and general election? Did you rank Andrew Cuomo on your Democratic primary ballot in 2025? Who did you support for Public Advocate?
In the Democratic Primary I ranked Adrienne Adams first and did not rank Andrew Cuomo. In the General Election I proudly voted for Mayor Zohran Mamdani. For Public Advocate I supported Jumanee Williams.
20. In view of the fact that Ed Koch has been documented to have caused the deaths of scores of people with AIDS, excused city council members who voted against the gay rights bill and was blatantly racist, would you support renaming the former Queensboro Bridge?
Yes, I support renaming the bridge to honor someone whose legacy reflects justice, compassion, and respect for all New Yorkers.
21. What is your legislative remedy to secure the building of low and moderate-income housing around the state?
I support social housing, strengthened inclusionary zoning, public land for affordable housing, deeper affordability requirements, and major public investment at the city and state level to build truly affordable homes at scale. We must pursue housing of all kinds, while protecting our existing stock if we wish to effectively deal with the housing crisis.
22. Will you refuse donations from AIPAC, SolidarityPAC, police and corrections associations, the fossil fuel industry, and the charter school industry?
Yes.
23. Do you support removing criminal penalties for consensual commercial sex work between adults?
I support decriminalization and a public-health-centered approach that prioritizes safety and autonomy.
24. Will you immediately join the Progressive Caucus upon inauguration?
Yes I will seek to join the Progressive Caucus
25. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
I bring a proven commitment to LGBTQ+ liberation, racial and economic justice, and accountable government. I have the experience, and I organize, show up, and build coalitions to win lasting change in our district.
26. If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club on all appropriate literature and electronic materials?
Yes, proudly.