The Four Freedoms Democratic Club, the largest and most active Democratic Club on the Upper East Side, has voted to endorse Ben Wetzler for New York City Council in the race to fill the open seat in District 4.
The Club endorsed Ben on the evening of Thursday, January 9th, after co-hosting a forum attended by over 100 members of the community where all candidates were invited to present their vision for the district.
“I am proud to have the support of the Four Freedoms Democratic Club,” said Wetzler. “East Side residents know that we need to lower the cost of housing and keep our streets safe. My campaign is about acting now with long-term solutions to solve these crises.”
“We heard from excellent candidates at our forum,” said Club President Jerry Ferguson. “Ben earned our support above the rest because we have seen for years how committed he is to improving our neighborhood. With his experience and policy expertise, we know he will serve the residents of the 4th district well in the City Council.”
Ben grew up on the Upper East Side, where much of his family still lives. After graduating from Johns Hopkins University in 2012, he began a career in State government with a focus on affordable housing and community development. Ben returned to the neighborhood in 2015, and after Donald Trump was elected, he knew he had to do more.
In 2017, Ben challenged the long-time Democratic District Leader for the Lenox Hill neighborhood. He won the race in an upset, thanks in large part to the support of the Four Freedoms Democratic Club. He spent the next six years leading efforts to reform and strengthen the Democratic Party, connecting grassroots volunteers with campaigns outside the city, and using his housing policy expertise to advocate for an aggressive affordability agenda for NYC.