Christopher Marte

Christopher Marte is a prominent political figure currently serving as the City Council Member for District 1 in New York City. He was born and raised on the Lower East Side, where he witnessed firsthand the impacts of gentrification and luxury development on his community. His parents immigrated from the Dominican Republic; his father owned a bodega, and his mother worked in a garment factory before becoming a home attendant.23

Early Career and Activism:
Marte's career began in finance, where he managed retirement funds for IBM while paying off student loans. He later transitioned to community service, co-founding community gardens in NYCHA housing and volunteering at local organizations. His experiences motivated him to run for office, leading to his first campaign for City Council in 2017, where he lost by a narrow margin but successfully united diverse community members.23

In 2021, Marte won the City Council election decisively, receiving more votes than his two closest competitors combined. His campaign focused on issues such as affordable housing, small business support, and community engagement.4 He has been an advocate for the Small Business Jobs Survival Act and has actively participated in local initiatives to protect vulnerable neighborhoods from overdevelopment.12

State Committee Role:
In addition to his role on the City Council, Marte has also been involved in state-level politics, recently serving as the State Committeeman for the 65th Assembly District. This position allows him to influence Democratic Party activities and policies at the state level.5

Marte's commitment to community activism and his background in finance and law have shaped his approach to governance, emphasizing transparency and accountability in local politics.