New York State Senate ‘now twice as gay’ as Erik Bottcher wins special election
Erik Bottcher (Santiago Felipe/Getty Images for MTV)
American politician Erik Bottcher was sworn in as New York state’s newest senator on 4 February after winning a special election on Tuesday on 3 February.
Before his victory, Bottcher was a New York City Council Member, representing the district covering Chelsea, Hells Kitchen and Times Square.
In December 2025, Bottcher announced his candidacy for the 47th NY Senate seat, to replace Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal.
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“This decision is rooted in where I believe I can do the most good immediately.
“The State Senate is where critical decisions are being made on housing affordability, addressing the mental health crisis, safeguarding our environment, and defending New York from the Trump agenda,” Bottcher said of his decision to run at the time.
Democratic Senator Jabari Brisport celebrated Bottcher’s swearing-in, posting a photo of the two of them after the event to his X account on 4 February, writing: “The NY State Senate is now twice as gay. Welcome to Albany, Senator.”
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