Jenny Low Launches City Council Campaign

Jenny Low speaking to three indivivduals in her district outside.
Photo credit: Lindsey Lam

Jenny Low, candidate for City Council District 1, has kicked off her campaign in a major way, receiving endorsements from U.S. Reps. Nydia Velázquez (D-LES, Brooklyn, Queens) and Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens).

“I’ve spent my whole life fighting for Lower Manhattan, and I’m ready to put my skills and experience to work fighting for a recovery from this pandemic that puts working families, small business owners, and our city’s most vulnerable first,” said Low. 

Low, born in China, immigrated to New York City with her family at age 12. She learned English while attending the City’s public schools, and went on to graduate from Yale with a degree in business. In 1995, she earned the distinction of being the first Asian-American in New York to be elected Democratic District Leader – a position she still holds today. She also serves as Director of the Administrative Services Division in the office of Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen).

Velázquez endorsed her on the merits of her experience in community advocacy in Lower Manhattan. Low has spent 30 years on the board of the Chinese-American Planning Council, one of the largest Asian-American service agencies in the U.S. She has also spent 10 years on the board of Eleanor’s Legacy, which trains and funds female pro-choice political candidates across New York.

“It is rare to see someone as selfless and committed to her community as Jenny Low, and I am proud to support her run for City Council,” said Rep. Velázquez. “For years, Jenny has consistently shown up and fought for her neighbors, and throughout the pandemic I have seen her advocate for our small businesses, organize meal and grocery deliveries for those in need, and guide our road to recovery. Jenny is the strong, experienced leader that Lower Manhattan needs in this moment.”

Maloney echoed Velázquez’s sentiments, calling low a “tireless community advocate”, the likes of which we need “now more than ever”.

 “Jenny Low is a dedicated community advocate and tireless leader who will bring her experience in public service to deliver for every community in Lower Manhattan,” said Maloney. “Now more than ever, we need leaders like Jenny who have the knowledge and skills to support our small businesses, fight for affordable housing, increase healthcare access, and improve our schools. I’m proud to endorse her campaign for City Council.”

Low is running for City Council District 1, which includes Battery Park City, Chinatown, the Financial District, Little Italy, the Lower East Side, NoHo, SoHo, South Village, Tribeca & Washington Square.