NYC Councilman Erik Bottcher announces run for Jerry Nadler’s 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 record to prove it,” Roskoff said.

Bottcher has been at the forefront of the LGBT and broader civil rights movement for years, he added.

He served on then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s staff and helped pass the state’s landmark gay marriage law, before the US Supreme Court legalized same sex nuptials.

“Eric was among a key group of advisors in the Governor’s Office who were responsible for the historic passage of the Marriage Equality Act in 2011. He is smart and tenacious but also happens to be a mensch,” said Steve Cohen, who then served as secretary or top aide to the governor.

“Maybe it’s his Adirondack upbringing that gives him warmth with focused intensity. He knows where he’s from; he knows who he is; he knows how to serve the public. It’s hard to think of someone who was a more pleasant and supportive colleague. In the best ways, he’s brought his own life experiences to bear on his various positions in public service.”

He’s not afraid to wade into controversies, recently backing the campaign to ban horse carriages despite industry and union opposition.

Before his election to the council, Bottcher served as chief of staff to former City Council Speaker Corey Johnson.