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New York City Announces Special Election for City Council Seat
Vacancy created by resignation of Erik Bottcher will be filled through April 28 special election
Published on Feb. 7, 2026
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New York City has announced a special election to be held on April 28, 2026 to fill a vacancy on the City Council. The vacancy was created by the resignation of Erik Bottcher from the third Council district, effective February 4, 2026. Candidates will be nominated through independent petitions, according to the city's charter.
Why it matters
This special election will determine who will represent the third Council district in New York City for the remainder of 2026. The outcome could shift the balance of power on the City Council, which plays a key role in governing the nation's largest city.
The details
The vacancy was created by the resignation of Erik Bottcher, who had been serving as the Council Member for the third district. Under the city's charter, the mayor has the authority to call a special election to fill the vacancy. Nomination of candidates will be through independent petitions, rather than through the typical party primary process.
- Erik Bottcher resigned from the New York City Council effective February 4, 2026.
- The special election to fill the vacancy will be held on April 28, 2026.
The players
Erik Bottcher
Former New York City Council Member who represented the third Council district until his resignation on February 4, 2026.
New York City
The local government of the largest city in the United States, which is calling the special election to fill the vacancy on the City Council.
What’s next
Candidates will have until March 30, 2026 to submit independent nominating petitions to get on the ballot for the April 28 special election.
The takeaway
This special election will be an important test of voter sentiment in the third Council district, and the outcome could impact the balance of power on the New York City Council going forward.
