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Award-Winning Singer Cristina Fontanelli Launches Independent Write-In Campaign for NYC Council District 3

By Joe Mcdermott
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Award-Winning Singer Cristina Fontanelli Launches Independent Write-In Campaign for NYC Council District 3
Cristina Fontanelli on-stage at Carnegie Hall with local children and youth. Fontanelli, 69, said her campaign will focus on issues of public safety, supporting small businesses, improving quality of life, strengthening community engagement, and addressing the rising cost of living. Photo credit: Rob Klein.

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Cristina Fontanelli, an award-winning singer, PBS-TV host, and longtime Hell’s Kitchen resident, has announced her candidacy as an Independent write-in candidate for New York City Council District 3, which includes Times Square and the Broadway theater district.

Fontanelli, 69, said her campaign will focus on issues of public safety, supporting small businesses, improving quality of life, strengthening community engagement, and addressing the rising cost of living.

Background and Career

A native New Yorker born in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Fontanelli has been part of the city’s performing arts community for more than four decades. She has appeared on PBS and stages worldwide as a singer and actress, performing in nine languages.

In addition to her performing career, she is the founder of The Cristina Fontanelli Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization established 22 years ago to provide music and performance opportunities for children and young artists. The foundation has produced youth concerts at venues including Carnegie Hall, continuing even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fontanelli also has experience as a business owner and mentor, having worked administratively and with interns throughout New York City. She has long supported community initiatives and health-related causes, often volunteering her time to perform for nonprofit and civic organizations.

Election and Campaign Focus

By entering the race, Fontanelli gives voters in District 3 an alternative to current Council Member Eric Bottcher, who she notes ran unopposed in the previous election. She has expressed admiration for Bottcher’s work in LGBTQ+ advocacy but believes the district deserves a broader range of representation and debate on local issues.

Fontanelli has voiced concerns about the policy direction of state and city leadership supported by Bottcher and said her campaign aims to provide voters with “a strong independent choice” during the upcoming election.

Campaign Launch Event

Fontanelli will officially launch her campaign at a press conference on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. at Chez Josephine, located at 414 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Members of the media are invited to attend, with RSVP requested.

Contact Information

Cristina Fontanelli for City Council District 3
Phone: (212) 967-1926
Email: [email protected]
Website: candidates.goodparty.org/2025-cristina-fontanelli-city-council-district-3

Joe Mcdermott

Joe Mcdermott is our daily investigative journalist and staff reporter who keeps his eyes peeled for interesting local news exclusively for Long Island Guide. Mcdermott, one of our first and thus veteran reporters, is also a data analyst for select independent news and media organizations in the United States.

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