Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Sandro Navarro for City Council District 21
Candidate Name: Sandro Navarro
Office Seeking Election for: New York City Council District 21
Campaign Website: https://www.sandroforcitycouncil21.com/
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
I’m running because I’ve lived the struggles my community faces and have spent my life fighting for solutions. As a father, veteran, and lifelong public servant, I know what it means to serve. I joined the U.S. Army because I believed in defending our country and our values, and that same commitment drives me to serve my community today. My deployments to Afghanistan and Kuwait taught me resilience, leadership, and the importance of never leaving anyone behind—values I’ve carried into my work.
I started my public service career at the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs under Mayor Bill De Blasio, working to connect immigrant communities with vital resources. Later, as District Director for Senator Jessica Ramos, I fought for tenants, workers, and flood prevention efforts while ensuring our neighbors had access to food and healthcare. I’ve led COVID-19 vaccination efforts, secured resources for working families, and stood up for immigrant rights. I understand how government works and how to make it work for us. Now more than ever, our district needs a fighter who won’t back down—I’ve done the work, and I’m ready to keep fighting for us.
2. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally? What LGBTQ candidates have you endorsed?
As a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community, I have consistently supported efforts for equality and justice. I’ve attended the 'Walk while Trans' conference organized by Make the Road NY, where we fought back against discriminatory police policies targeting transgender individuals. I’ve also joined protests alongside Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, advocating to protect the right to choose and reproductive rights.
Additionally, I took part in a vigil to honor Lorena Borjas and other Trans and
Non-Conforming individuals we lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, organized by Collectivo Transgrediendo and Make The Road. These experiences have deepened my commitment to fighting for policies that uphold the dignity and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in our community.
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 be honored to share the news of your endorsement with my supporters and ensure it is included in all campaign materials.
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 consistently stood against harmful policies and leaders who threaten our communities. I participated in a rally against Donald Trump and Eric Adams, organized by NYIC, Make the Road, and the Working Families Party, to oppose their harmful agendas. Most recently, I joined fellow elected officials on the steps of the Tweed
Courthouse to demand Mayor Adams’ resignation and to call on Donald Trump to stop dehumanizing transgender people. We also made it clear that ICE has no place in our schools. I remain committed to fighting for justice, inclusivity, and the protection of all New Yorkers.
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?
Under the Trump administration, we must be proactive, not just reactive. I will work to strengthen local protections by pushing for immigrant legal services, tenant protections, and expanded healthcare access. I will organize with labor unions, advocacy groups, and progressive leaders to ensure our city remains a safe haven for those under attack. I will ensure my platform is used to speak out against injustice, provide resources, and give a voice to my neighbors in trouble.
We’ve seen the power of grassroots organizing in Queens before, and I will use my experience—from mobilizing communities for COVID relief to partnering with grassroots CBOs to fight food insecurity—to share information and build coalitions to resist Trump, his supporters locally, and their harmful policies and rhetoric.
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, reproductive rights, or any other fundamental rights. These values are non-negotiable, and I am committed to standing up for the rights and dignity of all people, including the LGBTQ+ community and those seeking reproductive healthcare. Having worked alongside this community as an advocate for many years, I would not put myself in a position to
If I were to receive an endorsement from anyone who holds anti-LGBTQ+ or anti-choice views, I would immediately denounce those positions. I believe it is crucial to align with those who advocate for equality, justice, and human rights, and I will always work to build a coalition that reflects those principles.
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?
The LGBTQ+ community deserves a loud and unapologetic Council Member who will fight to protect their human and civil rights. While NYC has made progress in advancing LGBTQ+ rights, it is simply not enough. Too many in our community still struggle to access essential resources due to inadequate protections for gender identity. At the same time, federal funding is being stripped away from LGBTQ+ programs, and far too often, silence echoes through the halls of City Hall, Albany, and Congress. That must change now.
I am committed to breaking that silence and ensuring policies that uplift and protect all of us—like the right to counsel for undocumented New Yorkers, stronger rent protections, and expanded access to services for LGBTQ+ individuals. Our fight for justice is intersectional, and I will always stand alongside the LGBTQ+ community to push for real, lasting change.
8. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion?
Yes, I fully support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion. Every person should have the fundamental right to make decisions about their own body without government interference. Access to safe, legal abortion and comprehensive reproductive healthcare is essential to personal freedom, public health, and gender equity.
In a time when reproductive rights are under attack across the country, New York must remain a leader in protecting and expanding these rights. I will always stand with those fighting to ensure that everyone—regardless of income, immigration status, or zip code—has access to the care they need. Reproductive care is health care, all New Yorkers deserve access to the care they need.
9. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?
Programs like Drag Story Hour celebrate diversity, promote literacy, and provide a safe space for children to learn about self-expression and acceptance.
While I have not personally hosted or funded a Drag Story Hour, I would love to attend and collaborate on bringing this to our community and local libraries. Representation and inclusivity matter, and I am committed to supporting initiatives that foster belonging and joy for all families in District 21.
10. What proposals will do you support to increase the protection of immigrants and cement New York City’s status as a Sanctuary City?
New York City must take stronger action to protect our immigrant communities and uphold its status as a true Sanctuary City, especially in a time of heightened political discourse in Washington. We need the Right to Counsel for anyone impacted by federal immigration enforcement to ensure that every person—regardless of status—has a fair and dignified legal process. Too often, parents and even children are forced to face immigration courts alone, with no understanding of their rights or options. This is unacceptable.
The City must provide critical safety measures to prevent such injustices, including expanding legal services, strengthening protections against ICE cooperation, and increasing funding for immigrant support programs. No one should be left to navigate a complex and life-altering legal system alone. As Council Member, I will fight to ensure that all immigrants, regardless of status, are treated with dignity, respect, and the protections they deserve.
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 have never opposed a shelter in my district. On the contrary, I have supported the various shelters in our community to ensure that their residents receive the resources they need. During my time as District Director, I built strong relationships with shelters, especially during the influx of asylum seekers, working alongside organizations like the Langston Hughes Library to make sure our new neighbors were cared for. I also made sure they had access to critical information and knew our office was a resource for them. Supporting our most vulnerable residents has always been a priority for me, and I will continue to advocate for the services they deserve.
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 fully support Resolution 2970 and the New York for All Act. If elected, I will proudly co-sponsor this resolution because no city or state resources should be used to assist
federal immigration enforcement. Our immigrant communities deserve to live without fear of being targeted, harassed, or separated from their families.
New York must stand firm in protecting all immigrants by ensuring that local agencies do not collaborate with ICE and that our city remains a true sanctuary. I am committed to
fighting for policies that safeguard our communities, expand protections, and provide the necessary resources for immigrants to thrive without fear.
As an immigrant myself, I know firsthand the struggles our communities face. District 21 is home to thousands of immigrants who work hard, pay taxes, and are here to raise their families. They deserve to live with dignity and without the constant threat of deportation. New York must continue to be a leader in protecting immigrant rights, and this resolution is a crucial step toward ensuring that state and local agencies are not complicit in federal enforcement actions that undermine trust and public safety.
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 fully support Resolution 2917 and commit to co-sponsoring it. I believe in the Right to Counsel because too many in immigrant communities—especially Latinos—are unjustly targeted by ICE raids. As Council Member, I want to make sure my community has the resources, legal protections, and information they need to defend themselves. No one should face deportation without legal representation, and I will fight to ensure immigrant New Yorkers are protected..
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 the New York Elder Parole Bill. Our criminal justice system must recognize that people can change, and continued incarceration of aging individuals who have served significant time—many of whom pose no public safety risk—is both unjust and costly. This legislation is a necessary step toward fairness, rehabilitation, and addressing the broader issues of mass incarceration.
But release alone is not enough—we must also invest in reentry programs that provide housing, job opportunities, and mental health support to ensure that people returning home have the tools they need to succeed. I stand with advocates in pushing for the passage of this bill and broader reforms that truly prioritize justice and rehabilitation
15. Do you oppose the death penalty?
Yes, I oppose the death penalty. I do not believe the government has the right to take anyone’s life. The death penalty is not only a flawed and irreversible punishment, but it also disproportionately affects marginalized communities and has been repeatedly proven to be unjust. State-sanctioned executions bring us one step closer to the kind of authoritarian violence seen in dictatorships. Instead of perpetuating a system of retribution, we must focus on true justice—one that prioritizes rehabilitation, accountability, and addressing the root causes of crime.
16. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?
Yes, I fully support outlawing solitary confinement. It is a cruel and inhumane practice that does nothing to rehabilitate individuals and instead severely worsens their mental health. Solitary confinement is a form of torture that disproportionately affects marginalized communities, including people of color, those with mental illness, and incarcerated LGBTQ+ individuals.
Rather than subjecting people to prolonged isolation, we must focus on humane and effective alternatives that prioritize mental health support, restorative justice, and true rehabilitation. As Council Member, I will fight to end solitary confinement and push for policies that ensure dignity and fair treatment for all incarcerated individuals."
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 commit to visiting incarcerated constituents and ensuring that their voices are heard. Too often, incarcerated individuals are forgotten by the very communities they are part of, and we must do more to advocate for their dignity and rights. I will also work to ensure that their families have access to public resources to support them through the process, recognizing that incarceration impacts entire communities, not just individuals.
18. Do you commit to working to change our penal system toward a restorative rather than a retributive model of justice?
Yes, I am fully committed to shifting our penal system toward a restorative model of justice rather than a retributive one. During my time in Senator Ramos’s office, I supported her state legislation, Treatment Not Jail, which expands access to treatment courts and prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment.
Our justice system must focus on healing communities, addressing the root causes of crime, and providing people with the resources they need to successfully reintegrate into
society. This means investing in mental health services, education, job training, and reentry programs that support individuals rather than perpetuating cycles of incarceration.
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 making applications for clemencies easily accessible to my constituents, including providing a link to the application in my constituent newsletter. Once elected, my goal will be to ensure my office serves as a hub for information and resources. I will not only provide access to clemency applications but also offer support in submitting them for those who need assistance.
20. . Who did you support for mayor in the 2021 Democratic primary election?
In the 2021 Democratic primary election for mayor, I initially supported Diane Morales and later supported Kathryn Garcia.
21. Which 2025 Democratic candidates have you removed from your consideration? Have you endorsed anyone? If so, who?
N/A
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 the renaming of the Ed Koch Bridge. The history and legacy of individuals in positions of power must reflect our values of inclusivity, justice, and respect for all communities. Ed Koch's legacy, especially in terms of his policies toward marginalized groups, does not align with the values many New Yorkers hold today. I believe it is important to rename the bridge in honor of a figure whose actions better reflect the diversity and values of our city. If elected, I will work toward renaming the bridge and will sponsor legislation to ensure this important change takes place.
23. What are your plans to address rent affordability in NYC? Did you vote for “City of Yes”? If not, please explain.
To address rent affordability in NYC, we must end unfair tax hikes and the constant increases MCI charges that burden tenants. It’s also essential to hold bad landlords accountable for exploiting the system, while ensuring that our elderly neighbors—who are most impacted by rising rent costs—receive the support they need to stay in their homes.
I am committed to fighting for a Freeze the Rent campaign, which would stop rent hikes for current tenants, as well as advocating for lowering property taxes for homeowners to alleviate their financial burdens
24. What are your plans regarding short-term housing?
Short-term housing, including services like Airbnb and other vacation rentals, has become a significant issue in our city, contributing to the scarcity and unaffordability of long-term housing. I am in full support of the Tenants Not Tourists campaign and participated in the rally organized by Tenants First NYC on 1/23/2025. I am also actively working on housing policies such as Rent Freeze Now with Housing Justice For All.
To address this issue, my approach includes implementing stronger regulations on short-term rentals to prevent them from exacerbating our housing crisis. We need to prioritize long-term residents—working families, seniors, and those most in need—and ensure that housing remains accessible. This means enforcing stricter zoning and licensing rules for short-term rental platforms, while simultaneously increasing the availability of affordable housing units across the city.
I will also work on expanding support for renters, including protecting tenant rights, limiting rent hikes, and increasing investment in affordable housing development. New York City needs a comprehensive strategy that balances the need for tourism and short-term housing with the urgency of addressing our long-term housing crisis.
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 a proven track record of supporting progressive candidates, issues, and solutions, and I am committed to being a dynamic and progressive voice in elected office.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside incredible leaders like State Senator Jessica Ramos and Nick Gulotta, both of whom have been staunch allies to the LGBTQ+ community and the broader progressive movement. Their mentorship and guidance have shaped my approach to advocacy, and I am committed to continuing their work by pushing for policies that promote justice, equity, and inclusion for all New Yorkers.
I believe in the power of community-driven solutions, and I am dedicated to creating a future where all New Yorkers—especially marginalized communities—have the opportunity to thrive. My experience, passion, and commitment to fighting for progressive change make me the right person to represent our district and continue advocating for the issues that matter most.
26. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
In addition to my track record of supporting progressive candidates and issues, I am proud to have received endorsements from State Senator Jessica Ramos, the Working Families Party, and the Make The Road NY PAC. These organizations recognize my commitment to fighting for justice, equity, and the well-being of our community. Their support reflects my dedication to pushing for policies that uplift marginalized communities and ensure a brighter future for all New Yorkers.
27. Are you a potential candidate for City Council speaker in the upcoming term? If so, what is your platform?
No