Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Shaun Abreu for City Council District 7
Candidate Name: Shaun Abreu
Office Seeking Election for: New York City Council District 7
Campaign Website: www.shaunabreu.com
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
I’ve seen the best and the worst that District 7 has to offer. Growing up in this district, my family was evicted from our home, and I was held back in school. But we had neighbors who took us in, teachers who helped me catch up, and small businesses that gave my family a chance to get back on our feet. Now, I’m raising my family here and fighting for the people who have always shown me so much love. Since taking office, I’ve proven that I’m relentless on behalf of my neighbors, and that will never change.
2. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally? What LGBTQ candidates have you endorsed?
Professional involvement: Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, Ali Forney Center, Harlem Pride, LGBTQ Museum, Drag Queen Story Hour, GMHC, SAGE. Endorsement: Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal.
3. If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club on all literature and electronic materials?
Enthusiastically.
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?
Conservatively, I’ve led or participated in north of 200 events of this nature.
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 need to raise our voices and we need to stand in firm defense of the rights of all New Yorkers. I partner closely with Attorney General Tish James, who has endorsed my campaign, and fully support her full use of the law to protect our city and state. The City Council must use its oversight role to ensure all city agencies protect the rights of all New Yorkers.
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?
No / Yes.
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?
We need to raise our voices and we need to stand in firm defense of the rights of all New Yorkers. I partner closely with Attorney General Tish James, who has endorsed my campaign, and fully support her full use of the law to protect our city and state. The City Council must use its oversight role to ensure all city agencies protect the rights of all New Yorkers.
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 do you support to increase the protection of immigrants and cement New York City’s status as a Sanctuary City?
I support the right to counsel for immigrants, which is the best tool at their disposal for ensuring their rights are not violated and for enabling a path to citizenship. The City Council must exercise its oversight role to ensure adherence to our Sanctuary City laws.
11. How will you represent the most vulnerable, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers? Have you ever opposed any shelter in your district?
Housing is a foundational need, and I have prioritized access to safe, affordable housing for all New Yorkers. Shelters have their role, but permanent housing should always be the goal.
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.
Yes.
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.
Yes.
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 / Yes.
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 / Yes.
20. Who did you support for mayor in the 2021 Democratic primary election?
Eric Adams. Eric Adams the candidate did not turn out to be Eric Adams the mayor, and I have called for his resignation.
21. Which 2025 Democratic candidates have you removed from your consideration? Have you endorsed anyone? If so, who?
Eric Adams. / No endorsement.
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.
When it comes to rent affordability, we need to be doing it all. We need to build, we need to protect rent stabilized units, we need a rent freeze, we need housing subsidies, we need improvements to our vouchers system, we need a public land trust. As a member of the zoning and land use committees, I was a critical early vote for City of Yes and advocate for City for All.
24. What are your plans regarding short-term housing?
I oppose proposed changes to the AirBnB law that would turn permanent homes into hotels.
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 three years of hard proof. I’ve gotten trash bags off our streets, massively increased funding for right to counsel for tenants in housing court, protected wildlife with Flaco’s Law, restored community composting, banned height and weight discrimination, expanded access to mental health services, stood on the right side of a 4-3 vote for the biggest pro-housing proposal in city history–and done it all standing with with my community prioritizing their voices in my office and beyond. And I’m just getting started.
26. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
Please know how grateful I am for the work JOLDC has done to safeguard the rights of New Yorkers!
27. Are you a potential candidate for City Council speaker in the upcoming term? If so, what is your platform?
No.