City Councilman Erik Bottcher announced his candidacy Thursday for retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler’s Manhattan congressional seat — joining a bevy of wannabes in the Democratic primary including Kennedy scion Jack Schlossberg.

Democrat Bottcher, 46, who is out gay, starts out with a potential base of support with most of his constituents in the neighborhoods of Hudson Square, the West Village, Chelsea, Hudson Yards, Meatpacking District, Garment District, Times Square, and Hell’s Kitchen also residing in the 12th congressional district.

An upstate native from the North Country, Bottcher said moving to New York City saved his life.

Openly gay Councilman Erik Bottcher announced his candidacy for retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler’s Manhattan congressional seat, joining many wannabes in the Democrati

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