Democrat and incumbent Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson announced Monday, March 31, that her campaign collected and submitted more than 20,000 signatures to the NYC Board of Elections, securing her place on the Democratic primary ballot for the Bronx borough presidency primary election in June 2025.

 

“I am deeply humbled by the overwhelming support from Bronx residents who believe in our vision for the borough,” said Gibson. “It is an honor to submit over 20,000 signatures gathered by our grassroots campaign, signatures from everyday New Yorkers who are excited for the future we are building together.”

 

She added, “I understand the challenges Bronx families face, and I remain committed to fighting for every resident, regardless of their zip code or status. Our mission is to ensure that families don’t just get by, but get ahead.”

 

Gibson’s campaign team said that volunteers from every community district in the Bronx contributed to the petition drive, showcasing what they said was an “ironclad grassroots campaign.” They said, “This milestone is a testament to the widespread support for Gibson’s campaign.”

 

Gibson, who, as reported, was recently in the news in the context of a legal dispute surrounding the RFP process for the Kingsbridge Armory, was elected as the 14th Bronx Borough President on Nov. 2, 2021, making history as the first woman and first African American to hold the office. According to her campaign team, she is described as a lifelong public servant who has dedicated her career to advocating for Bronx residents, championing issues such as public safety, housing, education, and economic development.

 

Previously, she served in the New York State Assembly and New York City Council (C.D. 16), which covers the neighborhoods of Morrisania, Claremont Village-Claremont (East), Concourse-Concourse Village, Highbridge, Mount Eden-Claremont (West), Yankee Stadium-Macombs Dam Park, Claremont Park, University Heights (South)-Morris Heights, and University Heights (North)-Fordham. That seat is currently held by Council Member Althea Stevens.

Gibson’s campaign team said while in those former roles, she became the first African American woman to chair the public safety committee, and played a key role in passing landmark legislation, including the right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.

 

Her campaign team said that as borough president, Gibson has secured over $50 million for Bronx schools, expanded workforce development programs, and led initiatives to improve food access, public safety, and small business recovery. “She remains committed to building a stronger, healthier, and more equitable Bronx for all,” they said.

 

On April 2, Gibson announced she had received the the endorsement of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the largest and fastest growing healthcare union in New York and nationwide, representing over 200,000 healthcare workers in New York City, over 300,000 members in New York State, and over 450,000 members along the East Coast.

 

“Healthcare workers are the lifeline of our communities and the foundation of the Bronx’s well-being. I am deeply honored to have the support of 1199SEIU,” said Gibson. “Strong unions and well-paying healthcare jobs are key to a thriving and equitable economy. I know this firsthand—my late father, Julien Tull, was a longtime 1199SEIU member who dedicated 25 years of service at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital. Thanks to this incredible union, my father was able to provide stability for our family. I understand the struggles frontline workers face, and I am committed to protecting their rights, strengthening workplace protections, and ensuring every family has access to quality, affordable healthcare.”

 

She added: “My commitment remains steadfast: expanding access to family-sustaining careers, securing fair wages, and ensuring comprehensive healthcare benefits for all. Working families deserve a leader who will fight for them, and I will always be that advocate.”

 

“1199SEIU is proud to support Vanessa L. Gibson for re-election as the Bronx Borough President; she is a true champion for working families with a deep and unwavering connection to the communities she represents across the Bronx,” said Political Director for the Downstate New York region of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East Dell Smitherman. “Alongside our allies, we are committed to building a nation that prioritizes fairness, security, and dignity for all. Vanessa stands on the frontlines of this fight, ensuring that working families have access to strong union jobs that provide stability and opportunity.”