Several New York City Council members, including the City Council Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and several important committee chairs, are set to leave office by the end of 2025 due to term limits. Among them are also representatives from the Chinese community. The departure of these members is expected to bring about a new wave of changes within the City Council.
According to the City Charter, City Council members are usually limited to serving two consecutive terms, each lasting four years. Several council members who must step down due to term limits at the end of 2025 include:
Adrienne Adams was elected as a City Council member in 2018, representing the southeastern part of Queens. In 2022, she made history by becoming the first African-American woman to be elected as the City Council Speaker. She has kept a low profile regarding her political plans post-tenure and has not announced her future endeavors.
Republican City Council member Joe Borelli from Staten Island has been a voice for the conservative faction within the council since his special election victory in 2016. He became the Minority Leader in 2021, and his post-tenure plans remain unclear.
Diana Ayala has represented East Harlem, Randall’s Island, and parts of the Bronx since 2018. She previously worked under then-City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and advocated for homeless-related policies based on her own experiences. Since 2022, she has served as the Deputy City Council Speaker.
Justin Brannan has been representing the southern part of Brooklyn since his election in 2018 and is currently fundraising for a campaign for City Comptroller.
Robert Holden, elected in 2018, is the Co-Chair of the “Common Sense Caucus” and is currently pushing for legislation to issue permits for electric vehicles.
Kalman Yeger, a conservative member of the City Council, was elected as a State Assembly member in November this year and will step down at the end of this year.
Carlina Rivera, elected in 2018, participated in a congressional race in 2022. She advocated for a bill to ban solitary confinement and currently chairs the Library Committee.
Francisco Moya, elected in 2018, is one of the key political figures working on establishing a professional soccer stadium in Queens.
Keith Powers, elected in 2018, became the Majority Leader of the City Council in 2022. He currently serves as the chair of the City Council Rules, Privileges, and Elections Committee and is running for Manhattan Borough President.
Rafael Salamanca Jr., who won a special election in the Bronx in 2016, has led the City Council’s Land Use Committee since 2018. He is set to challenge incumbent Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson for re-election.