Prices are skyrocketing, wages aren't keeping up, and our communities are hurting. I'm running for City Council as a Democrat who fights for the middle class, the people who make New York City great.
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From teachers to transit workers, nurses to firefighters — we are stronger together. Let's fight for a city that works for New Yorkers.
My name is Ben Chou. I'm an active-duty firefighter, a lifelong Northeast Queens resident, and a community-first leader guided by my faith. Not a politician.
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I’m your neighbor, and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves for the place we call home.
I vow to:
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✅ Fight for the Middle Class
✅ Keep Our Neighborhoods Safe
✅ Make NYC More Affordable
✅ Pay Our City Workers Fairly
✅ Rebuild Trust in Our Communities
MEET BEN
Ben grew up in Douglaston, attending local schools before earning a spot at Bronx Science. His parents, Chinese/Burmese immigrants who came to Queens in search of opportunity, worked tirelessly to provide a middle-class life for their family — one that is increasingly out of reach for many today. Their values of hard work and education shaped Ben’s path, leading him to dedicate his life to service.
Inspired by the heroes of 9/11, he answered the call to serve and, in 2014, became a NYC firefighter. Over the past four years, he has served as president of the FDNY Phoenix Society, advocating for AAPI members of the department. While working full-time as a firefighter, he earned his master’s degree at Baruch and stayed grounded in his faith at Community Church of Great Neck — a reflection of his deep commitment to service, education, and community.
Ben is running for City Council because conversations in City Hall don’t reflect the real concerns of the community.
While families in Queens worry about skyrocketing costs of living, rising crime, and worsening city services, City Hall is stuck in political games.
Ben knows what it means to serve. He’s seen firsthand what happens when City Hall stops listening: from crumbling infrastructure to declining senior services, to public safety policies that don’t work for neighborhoods like ours.
If elected, Ben would make history as the first active-duty firefighter ever elected to NYC City Council.
Ben believes in leadership that puts people before politics. His campaign, grounded in his faith and his values, is about bringing service, compassion, and integrity to City Hall. He’s seen firsthand how bad policies and neglect hurt our neighborhoods, but he also has seen what strong, community-first leadership can accomplish.
He will fight to make sure Queens families have the safe, affordable, and thriving communities they deserve.
IN BEN'S OWN WORDS
When I was growing up, I watched the heroes of NYC save thousands of lives on September 11th. I knew in my bones that I needed to dedicate my life to public service, and I made it my mission to join the FDNY. Now, as a 33-year-old firefighter, I still believe in that same higher calling.
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I've spent my career running into burning buildings to save lives — that’s why I’m running towards City Hall.
