About Christopher
Christopher Marte was born and raised on the Lower East Side. His parents immigrated from the Dominican Republic. His dad ran a bodega, while his mom worked in a garment sweatshop before becoming a home attendant. Christopher attended PS 20 and University Settlement’s afterschool programs, before studying abroad for college in China, Costa Rica, and England.
Eventually, his dad’s store had to close because of rent hikes, and Christopher started to see the community he loved get torn apart by luxury development and corrupt politicians. So he decided to take action. He quit his job in finance and dove deeper into working in his neighborhood. It was through founding community gardens in NYCHA, coaching MS 131’s basketball teams, and volunteering that he learned that many of the issues we face come from the same source: elected officials who line their pockets with real estate money and prioritize political gain over people. So, he decided to run for City Council in 2017.
Though he fell short by 200 votes, Christopher’s campaign united people across the district. He brought together neighbors who lived only a quarter-mile away from each other but had never had a reason to work together before. His campaign created a culture of unity because he ran on a platform of change. In 2021, his bid for City Council in an open field with nine other challengers was successful. He received more votes than the second and third-place competitors combined and earned support from every part of the diverse district.
As a council member, Christopher has delivered for Lower Manhattan residents, from building 100% affordable housing to creating two new parks, planting over 500 new street trees, and passing legislation to expand housing subsidies for seniors and people with disabilities. He has also been leading the fight to end the 24-hour workday for home attendants and to protect municipal retirees' healthcare from being privatized. Christopher continues to have the trust of his constituents, and in 2023, he was re-elected in a landslide victory.
