NYC Councilman Erik Bottcher announces run for Jerry Nadlers congressional seat

City Councilman Erik Bottcher announced his candidacy Thursday for retiring Rep.Jerry Nadler’s Manhattan congressional seat — joining a bevy of wannabes in the Democratic primary including Kennedy scion Jack Schlossberg.Democrat Bottcher, 46, who is out gay, starts out with a potential base of support with most of his constituents in the neighborhoods of Hudson Square, the West Village, Chelsea, Hudson Yards, Meatpacking District, Garment District, Times Square, and Hell’s Kitchen also residing in the 12th congressional district.An upstate native from the North Country, Bottcher said moving to New York City saved his life.“I grew up as a closeted kid in the Adirondack mountains.

I was isolated.I was hopeless.

I was bullied.I even tried to take my own life,” Bottcher said in his campaign video.“But in New York City I found a place that accepted me and I built a life better than I ever dreamed of …I’ve dedicated my life to giving back to the city that saved mine.”He said he now stands up to bullies, and took an obligatory shot at President Trump and Republicans.His credentials in the LGBT community come in contrast to another candidate eyeing the seat — Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of John F.

Kennedy — who told the New York Times “I am very straight” when asked about his sexuality.Other candidates in the race include Assembly members Micah Lasher and Alex Bores, nonprofit Liam Elkind, former financial executive Alan Pardee, and lawyer Jami Floyd.Lasher has the support of many in Nadler’s political network.One prominent LGBT activist said he’s in Bottcher’s corner.Allen Roskoff, who helped write New York City’s first gay rights law and is president of the Jim Owles LIberal LGBT Democratic Club, said Botcher will “outshine” his opponents with his “intellect, poise, knowledge and resume.”“Erik is an incredible candidate.His one of the smartest men I know.

He cares deeply about people.He’s a progressive and has the reco...