Benjamin Chou
| Benjamin Chou | |
|---|---|
 Ben Chou.jpg | |
| Born | October 10, 1991 Flushing, Queens |
| 🏫 Education | Queens College (BA), Baruch College (MS) |
| 💼 Occupation | |
| 🏛️ Political party | Democratic |
| 🌐 Website | www.benchou4ny.com |
Benjamin Chou (born October 10, 1991) is a firefighter who has served as President of the New York City Asian-American firefighters’ union, FDNY Phoenix Society, since 2021.[1] He is the Democratic nominee for New York City Council's 19th district, which includes College Point, Whitestone, Bayside, Douglaston, Little Neck, and parts of Flushing, in the 2025 election.[2]
Early life and education
Chou was born on October 10, 1991[3], in Flushing, Queens to Chinese-Burmese immigrant parents.[2] Chou grew up in the Queens neighborhood of Douglaston–Little Neck, and attended P.S 98 and Louis Pasteur Middle School. He would then attend the Bronx High School of Science in Kingsbridge Heights. During his high-school years, Chou worked a retail job at Macy's. Chou earned a bachelor's degree from Queens College in 2013 and a graduate degree from Baruch College in 2022.[2]
Career
Motivated by the September 11 attacks, Chou became a firefighter in 2014.[4] As of 2023, he is the elected President of the FDNY Phoenix Society, the union for Asian-American firefighters in the FDNY.[1]
2025 New York City Council campaign
In the spring of 2025, Chou announced his campaign for the New York City's 19 City Council District, against Republican incumbent Vickie Paladino. [2]
Political positions
QNS stated that Chou campaigned as a "community-first outsider focusing on affordability, public safety, and rebuilding trust in City Hall.”[5]
Affordability
Chou has proposed cutting the Con-Ed tax, expanding exemptions to Local Law 97, and increasing funding to CUNY.[6]
Crime and safety
Chou has touted his experience as a firefighter frequently in regards to public safety. His campaign website states that he supports installing free, motion-sensor lights throughout Queens to reduce crime.[6]
Electoral history
2025
| 2025 New York City Council District 19 election[7] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary election | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Democratic | Benjamin Chou | 7,731 | 67.1% | |
| Democratic | Alexander Caruso | 3,775 | 32.3% | |
| Write-in | 69 | 0.6% | ||
| Total votes | 11,575 | 100.0% | ||
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "About Us – FDNY Phoenix Society". FDNY Phoenix Society. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Benjamin Chou wins Democratic primary for Council District 19". QNS. June 26, 2025. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "Benjamin Chou Facebook post (October 10, 2024)". Facebook. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
10/10, a perfect day to be born.
- ↑ "State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky endorses Benjamin Chou in District 19 City Council race". QNS. October 2, 2025. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "Benjamin Chou secures Democratic nod in District 19, takes on GOP incumbent Vickie Paladino". QNS. June 25, 2025. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Issues – Ben Chou for City Council". Ben Chou for City Council. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "New York Primary Election Results". Spectrum News NY1. Charter Communications. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
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