Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Vanessa L. Gibson for Bronx Borough President

Candidate Name: Vanessa L. Gibson

Office Seeking Election for: Bronx Borough President

Campaign Website: TBD

1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district? It has been my honor to serve as the Borough President and I am humbled by the incredible team we have at Bronx Borough Hall. I have three years of accomplishments and achievements investing

over $100M in the Bronx’s infrastructure and I look forward to asking the voters once again to support our candidacy for re-election so we are able to continue this work serving the Bronx.

2. What LGBTQ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally? What LGBTQ candidates have you endorsed? I have a proud record of supporting LGBTQIA+ candidates and fighting for equality, justice and fairness having successfully led the effort to re-open the Borough’s LGBT Center which is now operated by Destination Tomorrow. I have worked with Callen Lorde, Destination Tomorrow, Amida Care, my own LGBTQIA+ Task Force, our HIV/AIDS Roundtable, Ali Forney, Stonewall, SAGE USA, New York City LGBT Center, BOOM Health, Community Health Network and the Trevor Project.

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 stood at rallies against visits by Trump to the Bronx such as his rally in Crotona Park, I have supported Ending the Epidemic and focusing on healthcare issues, mental health, and fighting for our vulnerable communities. I am pro-choice and stand with Planned Parenthood, our women's advocates groups and support sexual health education in our schools.

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 have and continue to organize stakeholders in discussions on strategies to fight the Trump Administration on so many levels including attacks on our LGBTQIA+ community, children, families and people with disabilities to name a few.

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? Not seeking endorsements.

Yes will denounce.

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 plan to organize women together this month and discuss a strategy to put forth against this Administration's attacks on women.

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? During the month of PRIDE, my office hosts a parade in the Bronx, a Pride Celebration with Honorees and a drag fashion show and we also raise the Pride flag at Bronx Borough Hall. Our LGBTQ task force also hosts events celebrating our LGBTQIA+ community.

10. What proposals will do you support to increase the protection of immigrants and cement New York City’s status as a Sanctuary City?

Hosting more Know Your Rights forums for residents and stakeholders and we must hire more defense attorneys and lawyers to help our immigrant families with legal assistance.

11. How will you represent the most vulnerable, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers? Have you ever opposed any shelter in your district? When the asylum seeker crisis started, our office worked closely with NYC Public Schools to assist educators with staffing at their schools particularly Bilingual teachers to help support our newly-arrived students. We also worked closely with the Administration on the citing for hotel accommodations for asylum seeker families and single adults. I have a long history of supporting shelters that makes sense for the Bronx but also acknowledge the importance of accelerating new housing for our families who are working class and on fixed-incomes.

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

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 and Yes

20. Who did you support for mayor in the 2025 Democratic primary election? No endorsement yet.

21. Which 2025 Democratic candidates have you removed from your consideration? Have you endorsed anyone? If so, who? None

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. Yes I voted Yes with conditions. I support accelerating affordable housing, supportive housing, and setting aside units for formerly homeless, incarcerated, domestic violence survivors, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and LGBT youth and older adults.

24. What are your plans regarding short-term housing? Still in discussion with my policy team.

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 fighting for the priorities of my constituents and making tough decisions to improve the Bronx. I am not new to this work and remain committed, dedicated, driven and passionate about this work. I will continue to be a loud voice on the progressive issues that matter to Bronx residents and families.

26. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision? I have been proud to stand up for the LGBTQIA+ community as Borough President and look forward to our continued work together.

27. Are you a potential candidate for City Council speaker in the upcoming term? If so, what is your platform? N/A