Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Michael Alexander Blake for NYC Mayor
Candidate Name: Michael Alexander Blake
Office Seeking Election for: NYC Mayor
Campaign Website: https://blakefornyc.com/
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
I am uniquely qualified because I am the only person with local, state house and White House experience and the only person who was apart of a team that defeated Donald Trump. As a
lifelong New Yorker raised in the Bronx by Jamaican immigrant parents, whose mother worked in manufacturing and father was an 1199SEIU member, I have lived the challenges facing working-class New Yorkers. I’m a product of our public schools, a small business owner, and someone who rose to serve as a State Assemblymember and national leader. In Albany, I championed economic equity and transparency, creating laws like the Prompt Pay bill to ensure small businesses get paid on time. I also led on youth development through the My Brother’s Keeper initiative and co-led the Diversity in Medicine program. These efforts reflect my belief in justice, dignity, and opportunity. I’m running for Mayor to restore public faith in city government, expand access to childcare and education, and ensure every New Yorker, no matter their zip code, can live and thrive with respect and security.
2. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally? What LGBTQ candidates have you endorsed?
From Jim Owles to Stonewall, from BOOM Health, Ali Forney Center to GMHC, I continue to be a steadfast ally to the LGBTQ+ community, both legislatively and on the ground. As an Assemblymember, I supported GENDA and anti-discrimination protections and regularly met with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups to align on legislative priorities. From supporting Justin Westbrook-Lowery, Rose Christ to Crystal Hudson, I continue to stand with LGBTQ candidates and I’ve proudly stood beside organizations like the Ali Forney Center and GMHC, who have advanced civil rights, health equity, and housing justice for the city. I believe that allyship is not just symbolic, it requires tangible policy-driven support.
3. If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club on all literature and electronic materials?
Yes. I would proudly include your endorsement on all campaign literature, digital platforms, and voter outreach materials. Your work is essential in advancing justice and equality in our city.
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?
As a Reverend who led the call with clergy to convey President Obama's support of Same Sex marriage, I joined continual demonstrations defending LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, racial justice, and immigrant protections. I’ve attended marches and press conferences opposing Donald Trump’s hateful agenda, including protests following the Muslim Ban, the repeal of Roe
v. Wade, and anti-LGBTQ+ policy proposals. I believe that visibility matters, and as a public official, I’ve used my presence and platform to amplify the voices of those most often silenced.
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?
We must resist authoritarianism not only through protest but with policy. My plan includes shielding immigrants through ICE free zones and legal protections, defending reproductive rights through local legislation, and ensuring LGBTQ+ New Yorkers receive full municipal support. I will convene a citywide coalition of civic leaders, organizers, and legal experts to defend our communities. As Mayor, I’ll ensure that no local resources are used to enforce federal hate, and that NYC remains a mainstay of progress in the face of federal regression.
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 who oppose LGBTQ+ rights or reproductive freedom. I believe it is important to stand firmly with communities that have long fought for equality, dignity, and bodily autonomy. While I respect the right of others to hold different views, I will always reject positions rooted in homophobia or efforts to undermine reproductive rights. My commitment is to policies and partnerships that move our city forward with inclusion, compassion, and justice at the center.
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?
As Mayor of New York City, I will use every tool available to protect our communities from the Trump agenda and any attacks on women, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and communities of color. I will strengthen our city’s status as a sanctuary by expanding legal aid, housing protections, and healthcare access for immigrants, regardless of status. I will mobilize city agencies to resist federal rollbacks on civil rights, reproductive freedom, and LGBTQ+ protections by issuing executive orders, pursuing legal challenges, and building local coalitions. I will partner with grassroots organizations to organize citywide resistance efforts, ensure rapid response networks are funded, and protect our most vulnerable residents. New York City will not be silent, we will be a shield and a loud unwavering voice against hate, division, and injustice.
8. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion?
Yes, I support protecting and expanding access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including the right to make personal decisions about pregnancy in consultation with medical professionals, without undue government interference. I believe individuals should have the freedom to make choices that are best for their health, families, and futures. Ensuring access to safe, legal, and supportive reproductive care is essential to advancing health equity and human dignity. We are committed to upholding these rights while respecting the deeply personal nature of these decisions.
9. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community? I have not personally hosted a drag story hour. However, I am supportive of inclusive and educational programming that fosters acceptance, creativity, and a love of reading. Events like
Drag Story Hour can help promote understanding, self-expression, and community engagement in a positive and age-appropriate way. I believe communities should have the freedom to offer diverse cultural and educational experiences that reflect their values and promote inclusion.
10. What proposals will do you support to increase the protection of immigrants and cement New York City’s status as a Sanctuary City?
As a son of Immigrants, we will continue to be a Sanctuary City to embrace our diversity of Immigrants, which makes New York City the best in the world. I will codify ICE-free zones in city law, expand legal representation through the Immigrant Family Unity Project, and provide multilingual “Know Your Rights” education across NYC institutions. I’ll also establish an anonymous alert system to report ICE activity and hold city agencies accountable for maintaining sanctuary protections. Sanctuary is not just a label, it’s a promise of safety.
11. How will you represent the most vulnerable, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers? Have you ever opposed any shelter in your district? My family has experienced homelessness so I'm focused on helping people not lose their homes while collaborating with no profit organizations to help our most vulnerable get the housing
needed. As Mayor, I will work to ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers are treated with dignity and respect while they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. I will invest in permanent and supportive housing, expand access to mental health and social services, and strengthen our shelter system to be more humane and effective. I will also collaborate with community-based organizations to ensure services are culturally competent and responsive to the unique needs of vulnerable populations. Everyone deserves safety, stability, and a chance to thrive, regardless of their housing status or country of origin.
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.
I am not an incumbent and Yes, I commit to co-sponsoring Resolution 2970 and fully support the New York for All Act. Our state and city should not be complicit in federal immigration enforcement efforts that tear families apart and undermine trust in local services.
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.
I am not an incumbent. I absolutely believe that legal representation should be a right, not a privilege. I will co-sponsor Resolution 2917 to help ensure that every immigrant facing removal has access to counsel.
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 support efforts to ensure fairness, compassion, and justice in our criminal legal system, and I would join in advancing legislation like the Elder Parole bill. I believe that individuals over the age of 55 who have served more than 15 years deserve a meaningful opportunity for sentence review, especially when they have demonstrated rehabilitation and no longer pose a threat to public safety. This approach not only reflects our shared values of redemption and dignity but also recognizes the emotional and financial cost of incarcerating aging individuals. At the same time, any reform must be done comprehensively and thoughtfully within the legal system, ensuring due process, transparency, and accountability. I am committed to working with lawmakers, advocates, and impacted communities to move this effort forward in a just and responsible way.
15. Do you oppose the death penalty?
Yes, I unequivocally oppose the death penalty. As a Reverend, I believe in the sanctity of all human life and the power of redemption, not retribution. Our justice system must reflect mercy, dignity, and the belief that every person carries the potential for transformation.
16. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?
Yes, I support outlawing solitary confinement. It is a form of torture that inflicts deep psychological harm, including anxiety, depression, and long-term trauma. Rather than promoting safety or rehabilitation, solitary confinement isolates individuals in ways that worsen mental health and increase the risk of harm both inside and outside prison. If I truly believe in justice and rehabilitation, I must reject practices that dehumanize and instead support approaches that restore dignity and promote successful reentry. No one should be subjected to conditions that violate basic human rights, especially within a system that claims to serve justice.
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 am committed to engaging with all constituents, including those who are incarcerated, to ensure their voices are heard and their dignity respected. I believe in a justice system that recognizes the potential for growth, redemption, and second chances. I support efforts to review cases where individuals have shown genuine remorse, demonstrated rehabilitation, and are not considered a threat to public safety. Our policies should reflect both public safety and the values of fairness, compassion, and restorative justice.
18. Do you commit to working to change our penal system toward a restorative rather than a retributive model of justice?
Yes, I am committed to advancing a more restorative approach to justice that emphasizes healing, accountability, and rehabilitation over punishment alone. Our current system too often prioritizes retribution at the expense of long-term public safety and community well-being. A restorative model allows for more meaningful outcomes by addressing the root causes of harm and promoting reconciliation among those affected. I believe this approach better aligns with our values of fairness, dignity, and the belief in every person’s capacity for change.
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, I am committed to ensuring that constituents have access to information and resources related to clemency, including sharing application links through constituent communications such as newsletters. Transparency and accessibility are essential to promoting fairness and opportunity within our justice system. I would be happy to share this information with your club to help expand awareness and support informed engagement.
20. Who did you support for mayor in the 2021 Democratic primary election?
I did not formally endorse any candidate in the 2021 mayoral race. My focus was on ensuring the issues affecting New Yorkers, like housing, childcare, and justice reform—were at the forefront of the conversation.
21. Which 2025 Democratic candidates have you removed from your consideration? Have you endorsed anyone? If so, who?
As a 2025 Mayoral candidate myself, I have not endorsed any other candidate in this cycle. I remain focused on my own campaign, grounded in a vision for a fairer, more inclusive New York.
22. Do you support the renaming of the Ed Koch bridge and will you work towards the renaming including sponsoring such legislation?
Yes, I support efforts to revisit and reconsider the naming of public infrastructure in ways that reflect the values, diversity, and evolving history of our city. Renaming public landmarks can be an important step in acknowledging community voices and fostering inclusivity. I am open to working collaboratively with stakeholders and sponsoring legislation that supports a thoughtful and community-driven renaming process. It is essential that the names of our public spaces honor principles of equity, representation, and respect for all New Yorkers.
23. What are your plans to address rent affordability in NYC? Did you vote for “City of Yes”? If not, please explain.
While I was not in office when the “City of Yes” initiative was introduced and passed, I fully support its goals and believe it is a meaningful step toward addressing our city’s housing affordability crisis. The plan’s efforts to modernize zoning, convert underutilized buildings into homes, and increase affordable housing options are necessary and long overdue. That said, I would take it a step further by advocating to eliminate credit checks for apartment applications,
implement a pied-à-terre tax model to promote fairness, and place a tax on vacant apartments that contribute to housing scarcity. These additional measures are critical to ensuring that all New Yorkers, regardless of background or income have a real opportunity to live and thrive in this city. I am committed to building a housing system rooted in equity, access, and long-term affordability.
24. What are your plans regarding short-term housing?
I believe short-term housing must not come at the expense of long-term affordability or community stability. I will enforce and update regulations to prevent the misuse of short-term rentals that reduce available housing stock. At the same time, we recognize the role of responsibly managed short-term housing in supporting tourism and temporary needs. Our focus will be on transparency, community input, and protecting the right to safe, stable housing for all New Yorkers.
25. Do you support fully divesting city pension funds from Tesla?
Yes, I support fully divesting city pension funds from Tesla. I believe our public investments should reflect our values, including ethical business practices, labor rights, and accountability. Given Tesla’s ongoing concerns around corporate governance and worker treatment, I believe divestment is a responsible step. As Mayor, I will ensure our pension funds are managed in a way that protects retirees and aligns with the best interests of the city and its people.
26. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why should we believe you would be a dynamic and progressive voice in elected office?
I’ve been on both sides of the policy table, organizing communities and writing legislation. I was born and raised in the Bronx, the son of Jamaican immigrants who taught me the values of faith, hard work, and service. Growing up in public housing and attending public schools, I saw both the challenges and the resilience that define our city. Those early experiences shaped my passion for uplifting communities too often left behind. I took that passion to the Obama-Biden White House, to the New York State Assembly, and as a national Vice Chair of the Democratic Party. I have always fought for justice, equity, and opportunity. I’ve delivered millions for our schools, housing, small businesses, and community organizations because I believe the government should be a force for good. I’ve worked to amplify the voices of the unheard, create pathways for MWBEs and veterans, and stand firmly with working families. I want to lead this city forward not just because I know where we’ve been, but because I believe deeply in where we can go together.
27. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
I invite you to examine our full 10-point policy platform “Project 2026”, which includes universal childcare, guaranteed income, reproductive protections, and creative economic support like paying local content creators. These are actionable, fundable, and designed to uplift those who’ve been left behind. I don’t just talk about values, I have a plan to deliver them.
28. Are you a potential candidate for City Council speaker in the upcoming term? If so, what is your platform? Not applicable. I am running for Mayor of New York City.