NY-12 Democratic nominee?
$1.0M
JUN 24, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleState Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyMainstream Democrat
Age42 years old (Nov 16, 1983)
GenderMale
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LocationNew York
BackgroundPolitician
EducationUniversity of Dayton (BA)
Notable personal detailsKeith Powers is a Democratic politician from Manhattan who has served in New York public office at the city and state levels. He represented New York City Council District 4 from 2018 through 2025 and served as Majority Leader of the New York City Council beginning in January 2022. He became a member of the New York State Assembly for the 74th District in February 2026. He earned degrees from the University of Dayton and the CUNY Graduate Center.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports targeted tax relief for businesses by suspending or rolling back the Manhattan commercial rent tax and has proposed exempting more small businesses from the levy; frames these steps as relief to help pandemic-impacted businesses and support economic recovery. No direct evidence found of advocacy for large-scale tax increases or progressive wealth-redistribution on state or federal income taxes.
Healthcare
Supports strengthening and expanding public health services in New York City, with a focus on improving access to mental health care, bolstering the public NYC Health + Hospitals system, and creating more reliable city-run programs (e.g., cooling centers) to protect vulnerable residents. Prior legislative and committee actions emphasize improving public-health infrastructure and services rather than privatization or market-based reforms.
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Immigration & Border
Supports strong sanctuary protections for immigrant New Yorkers and legislative limits on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement; advocates for expedited work authorization and city resources to assist asylum seekers. Has sponsored and promoted local legislation to prevent unlawful immigration detainers and to strengthen protections against ICE involvement in city custody.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports protecting and expanding access to abortion and reproductive health care in New York City and backing legislation to codify robust local protections and services for people seeking abortion care. Public statements characterize New York City as a safe haven for abortion access and endorse the City Council’s NYC Abortion Rights Act package and related measures to expand services and legal protections.
Climate & Energy
Supports city-level climate action including electrifying the municipal vehicle fleet, coastal resiliency and heat-adaptation measures, and strong waste-reduction/composting policies to cut emissions. Advocates expanding recycling, mandatory organics collection and community composting sites while promoting transit and EV infrastructure investments.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports strong gun-safety measures and community-based gun-violence prevention while seeking legislative solutions to reduce shootings and keep firearms out of the hands of people who could do harm. Emphasizes public-health approaches and backing for New York’s existing strong gun-safety laws and local prevention efforts.
News
Keith Powers is in the news as a candidate in New York’s 12th Congressional District, where the campaign has centered on AI policy, digital literacy, broadband, and worker protections. Recent coverage also highlights his criticism of Super PAC and AI-company spending in the race, as outside money has poured into New York congressional contests. Overall, the reporting shows a competitive primary shaped by both policy debates and campaign-finance fights.
Money Is Politics Is Killing America
West Side Dems Host NY-12 Candidate Forum Thursday
‘I got crushed’: AI giants are funding ad wars in congressional races across the country
Your Vote 2026: District 12: What’s Next for Aging New Yorkers? Contenders Answer - Tech/AI
Endorsements
Endorsers of Keith Powers for NY-12 Democratic nominee?
New York League of Conservation Voters Gives Green
Public endorsement
New York League of Conservation Voters Gives Green endorsed Keith Powers in a special election.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Fundraising