Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Kayla Santosuosso for City Council District 47

Candidate Name: Kayla Santosuosso

Office Seeking Election for: New York City Council District 47

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

1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
I am a lifelong Bronxite, born and raised in Soundview, and the first Latina Majority Leader of the City Council. I have delivered over $300 million in investments for my district, championed equitable economic development, passed legislation to expand ferry access, advance menstrual equity, and create a citywide industrial strategy. My record shows I fight for working families, immigrants, and women of color, and I bring both lived experience and proven results.

2. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally? What LGBTQ candidates have you endorsed?
I co- founded Women of Color for Progress, which has supported LGBTQ women of color to run and win elected office. Through my role in the City Council, I have supported and prioritized funding for organizations including Destination Tomorrow, Caribbean Equality Project, the LGBT Center, and the Urban Justice Center, as well as initiatives like Pride at Work and other budgetary enhancements that uplift LGBTQ 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?
I have attended rallies for abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, Black Lives Matter, immigrant protections, and multiple demonstrations against Donald Trump’s policies targeting immigrants, women, and the LGBTQ+ community. And I specifically publicly called out Trump during his Bronx visit.

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 continue to use my leadership role to build coalitions across the City Council, work with advocacy groups to mobilize against harmful policies, and ensure NYC continues to be a national leader in protecting women, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, and working-class communities.

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 individuals with anti-LGBTQ+ or anti-choice positions, especially when I replaced them in the Council.

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

8. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?
I have supported them in the larger city budget.

9. What proposals will do you support to increase the protection of immigrants and cement New York City’s status as a Sanctuary City? I support strengthening legal representation for immigrants, expanding access to city services regardless of status, and limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

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 support expanding shelter, services, and permanent housing solutions for the homeless and asylum seekers. I have not opposed shelters 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.
I do not see such a resolution in the Council, but otherwise I would support it.

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.
I do not see such a resolution in the Council, but otherwise I would support it.

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

14. Do you oppose the death penalty?
Yes

15. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?
Yes

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

17. Do you commit to working to change our penal system toward a restorative rather than a retributive model of justice?
Yes

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 2021 Democratic primary election?
I did not

support any candidate in the 2021 Democratic mayoral primary.

20. Which 2025 Democratic candidates have you removed from your consideration? Have you endorsed anyone? If so, who?
I have not made endorsements in the 2025 primary yet.

21. Do you support the renaming of the Ed Koch bridge and will you work towards the renaming including sponsoring such legislation?
Yes, I still support this club’s effort.

22. What are your plans to address rent affordability in NYC? Did you vote for “City of Yes”? If not, please explain.
I support stronger tenant protections and increasing the production of truly affordable housing. I voted in favor of City of Yes and worked tirelessly with my community board and local stakeholders to ensure it reflected community priorities. In just four years, I have helped bring forward development projects that will deliver over 4,000 new units of housing in my district, and I have secured millions of dollars to modernize and preserve existing housing. My focus is on development that meets community needs, expands affordability, and improves quality of life for residents.

23. What are your plans regarding short-term housing?
I support regulating short-term rentals to protect tenants, preserve housing stock, and ensure safety while balancing the needs of residents and small property owners.

24. Do you support fully divesting city pension funds from Tesla?
Yes

25. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why should we believe you would be a dynamic and progressive voice in elected office?
I have consistently advanced pragmatic progressive policies centered on equity, including universal childcare, abortion rights, menstrual equity, immigrant protections, and climate resilience. As Majority Leader, I use my platform to uplift vulnerable communities, and I am committed to continuing as a bold voice for New York.

26. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
I am the first Latina Majority Leader of the City Council, a co-founder of Women of Color for Progress, and have a strong record of legislating for equity and inclusivity. I have always stood with the LGBTQ+ community and will continue to prioritize LGBTQ+ rights in my work. I have always been grateful for the support and work this organization lent me in my first attempts at running for public office in fighting against hate, and I want to continue that work with you folks.

27. Are you a potential candidate for City Council speaker in the upcoming term? If so, what is your platform?
Yes, I am running for Speaker of the City Council. There is more to come on my platform in the months ahead, but it will be member-driven and member-centered. As the current Majority Leader, I have shown that I can build consensus and govern pragmatically while still advancing progressive priorities. My priority as Speaker will be to provide a steady hand that keeps the Council united, focused, and effective in delivering for New Yorkers.