Keith Powers
Keith Powers is the Democratic nominee for a full term representing NY State Assembly District 74. He won a February 2026 special election to fill the seat after Harvey Epstein resigned, following two terms as New York City Council Majority Leader for the adjoining East Side council district, where he focused heavily on housing issues.[1][2]
Floor votes in Albany
- YesProvides that a microbusiness licensee authorized to conduct retail sales may serve as a processor and cultivator for purposes of cannabis showcase event permits · S10113 · Passed Assembly 88–53 · 2026-06-05 official record ↗Provides that a microbusiness licensee authorized to conduct retail sales may serve as a processor and cultivator for purposes of cannabis showcase event permits.
- YesRelates to granting employees access to personnel records · S3460 · Passed Assembly 92–49 · 2026-05-19 official record ↗Grants employees access to personnel records; requires notice of negative information in such records and an opportunity for a review; permits employee to include certain information in personnel records.
Votes on landmark laws since 2019, plus 2026 roll calls where at least five members voted on the losing side — read from the legislature’s official records.
On the record — official actions
- action2026-02-03 · Won the February 3, 2026 special general election for Assembly District 74 with 82.5% of the vote against Joseph Foley (R, C).[1]
- action2019 · As a City Council member, helped negotiate a rent reduction for senior tenants at Waterside Plaza in 2019.[2]
- legalAs a City Council member, joined Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village tenants in a successful lawsuit to maintain rent stabilization for the complex's residents.[2]
- billAs a City Council member, passed legislation preventing housing discrimination and protecting renters from rent overcharges.[2]
Positions on the issues
- SupportsStronger rent regulation and tenant protections
As a City Council member, passed legislation to prevent housing discrimination and protect renters from overcharges, negotiated a rent reduction for Waterside Plaza senior tenants, and joined Stuyvesant Town/Peter Cooper Village tenants in a successful lawsuit to preserve their buildings' rent stabilization.[2]
- SupportsLoosen zoning rules to build more housing
Has led efforts to convert underused office buildings to housing, including a rezoning enabling conversions in Midtown South.[2]
“He has been leading the charge on office conversions to housing, including a new rezoning in Midtown South.”
In their words — priorities
Background
- A lifelong Manhattan resident, born and raised in Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village, where he still lives; a third-generation resident of the complex.[2]
- Earned a B.A. in political science from the University of Dayton and an M.A. in political science from the CUNY Graduate Center.[3]
- Before elected office, was vice president of government-relations firm Constantinople & Vallone Consulting; earlier served as chief of staff to then-Assemblyman Jonathan Bing and as campaign manager for state Sen. Liz Krueger.[3]
- Served on the New York City Council from 2018 to 2025, including as Majority Leader, before being term-limited out.[2]
- Won the February 3, 2026 special election for Assembly District 74 with 82.5% of the vote.[1]