Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Elsie Encarnacion for City Council District 8
Candidate Name: Elsie Encarnacion
Office Seeking Election for: New York City Council District 1
Campaign Website: https://www.elsieforcouncil.com/
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
As a candidate, my central commitment is to build and strengthen a coalition that is inclusive, strategic, and deeply grounded in shared values. I believe that the only way to achieve real, lasting change is by uniting people across lines of race, class, and geography. We are all part of a broader community that is facing many of the same challenges—whether it’s rising rents, inadequate healthcare, low wages, or quality of life issues, homophobia or bigotry. My campaign will center on these common struggles, because I believe that our shared experiences as working-class New Yorkers can be the foundation of a strong, unifying movement.
Having worked alongside two strong allys to the LGBTQ+ community (Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito and Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala) I am committed to having my leadership and the work I engage in continue to reflect a deep commitment to inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community once I am Council Member.
2. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally? What LGBTQ candidates have you endorsed?
Destination Tomorrow, the Pride Center at Metropolitan Hospital and the Mt. Sinai Adolescent Health Center are just a few of the programs in District 8 of great importance to our LGBTQ+ familia and ones that I support and will continue to support as Council Member. Additionally, when it comes to policy making, I am a big believer in working in coalition and am committed to consulting on an ongoing basis with Stonewall and other groups to familiarize myself with issues of importance that I can advocate on behalf of as an ally.
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?
Most recently I participated in the press conference at Tweed Courthouse on 2/9 resisting Eric Adams’ decision to allow ICE in our schools and hospitals alongside Make the Road NY and the New York Immigration Coalition. I have also participated in the Know Your rights information campaign and organized a local forum in my community. I will continue in local engagement as an elected member of the New York City Council.
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?
As a Council Member I will use the platform I have to be vocal and visible during these trying times. I will work collaboratively with grassroots organizations to amplify the voices of those in the crosshairs of this violent and authoritarian regime.
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 such individuals.
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?
I am committed to working with community based organizations and my colleagues in the City Council once I am elected to push back on issues presented by the federal administration.
8. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion?
Yes.
9. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?
Yes
10. What proposals will you support to increase the protection of immigrants and cement New York City’s status as a Sanctuary City?
I am committed to being a strong voice protecting and supporting our immigrant communities from the persecution they face on federal and now city levels. Beyond just protecting them by continuing to support NYC’s status as a Sanctuary City, I will fight to see that our immigrants receive their fair share in New York City’s prosperity, a prosperity that they are key contributors to.
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 already work with community based organizations and advocates on issues affecting those most vulnerable and organized a Know Your Rights Forum in my community working alongside these groups. Will continue to work collaboratively to amplify the voices of the most marginalized in our city.
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.
N/A
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.
N/A
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
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
18. Do you commit to working to change our penal system toward a restorative rather than a retributive model of justice?
I believe in alternatives to incarceration and restorative justice.
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?
Adams (unfortunately)
21. Which 2025 Democratic candidates have you removed from your consideration? Have you endorsed anyone? If so, who?
Cuomo and Eric Adams are removed from my consideration and I have not endorsed anyone.
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 legislation.
23. What are your plans to address rent affordability in NYC? Did you vote for “City of Yes”? If not, please explain.
24. What are your plans regarding short-term housing?
We are in a housing crisis and believe that all available housing should be made available to meet the needs of individuals and families looking for affordable housing options. My concern is that a large portion of the current short-term housing takes existing affordable housing off the market. I believe this is a serious conversation that we must engage in to find the most effective solution. I am committed to engaging in that conversation.
25. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why should we believe you would be a dynamic and progressive voice in elected office?
26. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
27. Are you a potential candidate for City Council speaker in the upcoming term? If so, what is your platform?
N/A