Overview
- The Manhattan council member filed federal paperwork on Wednesday and said he is laying the groundwork for a potential 2026 run.
- His campaign says it raised nearly $700,000 in the first 24 hours, which it claims is the largest opening-day total in New York State history.
- Bottcher announced his exploration in messages to supporters and on social media that directed donations to a 2026 account.
- The Democratic field features declared candidate Micah Lasher, with Alex Bores and Jack Schlossberg expressing interest, and Liam Elkind already filed.
- If he ultimately runs and wins, Bottcher would be the first out gay member of Congress from Manhattan, reflecting his LGBTQ advocacy profile on the City Council.