Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Rita Joseph for City Council District 40
Candidate Name: Rita Joseph
Office Seeking Election for: New York City Council District 40
Campaign Website: https://www.ritajoseph.com/
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
Since immigrating to the U.S. from Haiti, I’ve dedicated my life to public service. At 19 years old, I organized my first rally with a group I founded named Haitian Enforcement Against Racism, to protest the FDA’s discriminatory “bad blood” rules that prevented people of Haitian descent from donating blood. I went on to become a teacher at PS6 and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for technological improvements that help thousands of children receive a better education. After being elected to City Council in 2021, I went on to become Chair of the Education Committee where I led the fight to secure over $600 million in funds for the public education system in 2025, marking the largest investment in education in the City’s history. I’ve also invested several thousands of dollars into green spaces that have benefited my constituents as New Yorkers at large.
2. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally? What LGBTQ candidates have you endorsed?
I have worked with Unchained, the Caribbean Equality Project's Caribbean LGBTQ+ immigrant support group as well as the LGBTQ Center in Crown Heights.
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 countless rallies, protests, and conferences in defense of human rights and civil liberties. I will continue to use my platform and work and organize with LGBTQ, pro-choice, and criminal justice reform groups to stand up to the injustices brought about by this administration. Some of the recent rallies I attended include the protecting academic freedom and free speech rally with New York City Council Progressive Caucus on 4/24/25, speaking at a Children’s Village event supporting foster care in NYC on April 4/23/25, and closing Rikers rally on the steps of City Hall on 4/16/25.
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?
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 endorsements from individuals who oppose LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights.
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 will do everything in my power to protect New Yorkers from the Trump administration’s authoritarian reach. We will not be intimidated by their threats to destroy the decades of progress our country has made in regards to civil liberties. We will not cooperate with any illegal attack on New Yorkers, especially those in the LGBTQ and immigrant communities. I’m committed to joining with my fellow local and state colleagues to review every legislative and legal avenue available to combat their agenda and will work with union and advocacy organizations to organize a grassroots resistance to their policies.
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?
I support Drag Story Hours and welcome them in District 40.
10. What proposals do you support to increase the protection of immigrants and cement New York City’s status as a Sanctuary City?
I support New York City’s sanctuary laws and have defended them. During my freshman term, I served on the Committee on Immigration and helped lobby for directing $2 million to the Protect NYC Families Initiative that funds organizations providing legal, translation, and immigration services. We will continue to make this available to counteract the attacks the new administration is waging against this community. I’ve been vocal in my opposition to ICE deportations and will work with my colleagues to continue hosting Know You Rights Seminars as a way to combat their anti-American policies.
11. How will you represent the most vulnerable, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers? Have you ever opposed any shelter in your district?
Homelessness in New York City is a serious issue with rates doubling over the last two years due to increased eviction proceedings, lack of affordable housing, increased rents, and the influx of asylum seekers. Over 120,000 slept in shelters every night, many of which are children. I stood up to the Adams administration to halt the 60-day shelter limit he imposed, displacing vulnerable families. I also went to bat with my colleagues to support the enforcement of FHEPS vouchers that would make it easier for families to transition out of the shelter system. As the Education Chair, I also led several oversight hearings aimed at addressing the needs of asylum students and making sure that their education was not disrupted.
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 cosponsored this Resolution and voted in favor of it on March 12, 2025.
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 cosponsored this Resolution and voted in favor of it on March 12, 2025.
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 I have visited and will continue to visit incarcerated constituents, and I’m committed to seeing non-violent offenders be reintegrated back into society.
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?
Maya Wiley
21. Which 2025 Democratic candidates have you removed from your consideration? Have you endorsed anyone? If so, who?
I have endorsed Speaker Adrienne Adams for Mayor because, having worked closely with her, I trust her judgement and know that her experience negotiating four City Council budgets will make her a great leader.
22. Do you support the renaming of the Ed Koch bridge and will you work towards the renaming including sponsoring such legislation?
Yes
23. What are your plans to address rent affordability in NYC? Did you vote for “City of Yes”? If not, please explain.
I voted in favor of City of Yes with the intended goal to increase the affordable housing stock in NYC. I will work to make sure the affordable housing stipulations stay on track and that they are not watered down over time by special interest. I fought to raise FHEPS vouchers that provide a rent supplement for families with children who receive cash assistance and have been evicted or are facing eviction, and helped pass legislation that ensures tenants are provided counsel when they are taken to court. I will
continue my advocacy for affordability and tenant rights to reign in greedy landlords and property development investors.
24. What are your plans regarding short-term housing?
I will not sponsor Intro 1107 as it will essentially open the door to Airbnb type rentals that could jeopardize the already limited housing stock available for city residents.
25. Do you support fully divesting city pension funds from Tesla?
Yes
26. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why should we believe you would be a dynamic and progressive voice in elected office?
I have stayed true to my progressive values since coming into office in 2021 and stand by every vote I’ve taken because I believe that no matter where you come from, every New Yorker deserves the opportunity to thrive - a high quality education, a livable wage from a job that respects workers, and rent you can afford,
27. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
28. Are you a potential candidate for City Council speaker in the upcoming term? If so, what is your platform?
I have not ruled out running for City Council Speaker and am now considering the options available.