Joe Borelli Resigns from NYC Council, Eyes New Role as Lobbyist
In a surprising proclamation, Joe Borelli, the Republican minority leader of the New York City Council, revealed he will resign at the end of the month. The Staten Island lawmaker, who has represented the borough’s South shore for nearly a decade, shared his decision with Gothamist on Saturday, marking the end of an era for one of the city’s most prominent conservative voices.“I can’t run for office again. So the right opportunity did come along, and it was the right time for my family and I to take the plunge,” Borelli said. “I feel very comfortable leaving Staten Island in the capable hands of the present and future elected officials and I wish everyone in City Hall luck going forward.”
Borelli’s resignation comes months before he was set to be term-limited from his office at the end of this year. He will transition to a new role as a lobbyist with the Washington D.C.-based Chartwell Strategy Group, where he will also open the firm’s New York office.
A Legacy of Conservative Leadership
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Borelli’s tenure in the Council began in 2015 after winning a special election. Over the years, he became a key figure in the city’s political landscape, serving as a staunch advocate for conservative policies in a predominantly liberal legislature. In 2021, he was elected minority leader, a position that underscored his influence despite the Republican delegation’s small numbers.
When Borelli first entered the Council, the Republican delegation consisted of just three members. While it has since grown to six, the group remains a minority in the 51-member body. “It was tough to lose the overwhelming majority of policy battles,” Borelli admitted. “Being a Staten Islander, you know we’re already on our back foot, so I’m just one of those believers in the idea that it’s great to pass the baton to people who are fresher and younger and have different ideas about how to accomplish things.”
Concerns and Optimism for NYC’s Future
throughout his career, Borelli has been vocal about his concerns regarding the city’s finances. He questioned whether current spending levels and the tax burden on New Yorkers are lasting.However, he also expressed optimism about the city’s political direction, noting a rightward shift in the electorate.
“I’m pleased to see the city’s electorate shift rightward,” Borelli said, adding that he views this shift as part of his legacy.
At one point, borelli was considered a potential mayoral candidate if Mayor Eric Adams were to resign or be removed from office. However,he has since dismissed that possibility,signaling a warming relationship between Republicans and the current administration.
“Look, 2025 is going to be a made-for-TV movie,” Borelli quipped.“I’m excited to be on the sidelines with some popcorn, cheering on different people as they go through the process. I wouldn’t count the mayor out at all. Incumbents have a special way of always seeming to win.”
What’s Next for Staten Island’s 51st District?
Borelli’s resignation will trigger a special election for his seat in the Council’s 51st District, which has historically been represented by a Republican and is the city’s most conservative district. His departure leaves a critically important void in Staten island’s political depiction, but Borelli remains confident in the borough’s future leadership.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Resignation Date | End of January 2025 |
| New Role | Lobbyist with Chartwell Strategy Group, opening the firm’s New York office |
| Council Tenure | Nearly a decade, elected minority leader in 2021 |
| Key Concerns | City finances, tax burden, and spending sustainability |
| Legacy | Rightward shift in NYC’s electorate |
| Special Election | To be held for the Council’s 51st District |
As Borelli steps away from the Council, his focus shifts to his new role in lobbying, where he aims to continue influencing policy from a different vantage point. Meanwhile, Staten Island prepares for a pivotal special election that will shape the future of its representation in City Hall.
Borelli’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in New York city politics, but as he aptly put it, “It’s great to pass the baton.”
This story might potentially be updated with new details.
staten Island Lawmaker Joe Borelli Reflects on His Political career and Future Plans
Editor: Joe, thank you for joining us today. You’ve been a prominent figure in New york City politics for nearly a decade. What led to your decision to step down from the City Council?
Joe Borelli: Thank you for having me. It was a tough decision,but after nearly a decade representing Staten Island’s south Shore,I felt it was the right time. I’m term-limited at the end of this year, and when the opportunity to join the Chartwell Strategy Group came along, it felt like the perfect next step for my family and me. I’m excited to open their New York office and continue influencing policy from a different angle.
Editor: You’ve been a staunch conservative voice in a predominantly liberal legislature. What challenges did you face, and how did you navigate them?
Joe Borelli: It’s been challenging, there’s no doubt whatsoever. When I first entered the Council in 2015, the Republican delegation had just three members. Even though we’ve grown to six, we’re still a minority in a 51-member body. Losing most policy battles was tough, but I always believed in standing up for what I thought was right. Being from Staten Island, we’re often on the back foot, but I’m proud of the work we’ve done to advocate for conservative policies.
Editor: You’ve been vocal about your concerns regarding the city’s finances. Can you elaborate on that?
Joe Borelli: Absolutely. I’ve always been concerned about the city’s spending levels and the tax burden on New Yorkers. I don’t believe the current trajectory is sustainable. We need to find a balance between providing essential services and ensuring that taxpayers aren’t overburdened. It’s a delicate issue, but one that I’ve consistently raised during my tenure.
Editor: You’ve also expressed optimism about the city’s political direction. What gives you hope?
Joe borelli: I’m pleased to see the city’s electorate shift rightward.I view this as part of my legacy. There’s a growing recognition that conservative policies can address some of the city’s most pressing issues. While we still have a long way to go, I’m optimistic about the future.
Editor: There was speculation that you might run for mayor if Mayor Eric Adams were to resign or be removed from office. Why did you dismiss that possibility?
Joe Borelli: (Laughs) That was certainly a topic of conversation for a while. But I’ve since dismissed it. I think the current management is doing a good job, and I’ve developed a good working relationship with Mayor Adams. I’m looking forward to watching the 2025 mayoral race from the sidelines with some popcorn. Incumbents have a special way of always seeming to win, so I wouldn’t count the mayor out.
Editor: Your resignation will trigger a special election for the Council’s 51st District. What are your thoughts on the future of Staten Island’s representation?
Joe Borelli: I’m confident in the future leadership of Staten Island.The 51st District has historically been represented by a Republican, and I believe it will continue to be a stronghold for conservative values. I’m excited to see fresh, younger voices step up with new ideas on how to accomplish things. It’s great to pass the baton.
Editor: As you transition to your new role as a lobbyist, what are your goals?
Joe Borelli: My goal is to continue influencing policy, but from a different vantage point. I’ll be working with the chartwell Strategy group to advocate for issues that matter to New Yorkers. It’s a new chapter, and I’m excited to see where it leads.
editor: Thank you, Joe, for sharing your insights. We wish you the best in your new role.
joe Borelli: Thank you. It’s been an honor to serve Staten Island, and I’m looking forward to the next chapter.
Key Takeaways
- joe Borelli is stepping down from the City Council to join the Chartwell Strategy Group as a lobbyist.
- He has been a prominent conservative voice in a predominantly liberal legislature, advocating for policies that align with his values.
- Borelli is optimistic about the city’s political direction, noting a rightward shift in the electorate.
- His resignation will trigger a special election for the Council’s 51st District, which has historically been a Republican stronghold.
- Borelli is confident in the future leadership of Staten Island and looks forward to influencing policy from his new role.
This story might perhaps be updated with new details.
