Brad Hoylman

Brad Hoylman-Sigal is a former member of the New York State Senate, representing the 27th District, which encompasses much of the west side of Manhattan. A member of the Democratic Party, he served in the state legislature from 2013 until 2019 and held the position of chairman of the New York State Senate Judiciary Committee during his tenure. Hoylman-Sigal is recognized for his legislative efforts on various social issues, particularly those affecting the LGBTQ+ community and survivors of abuse.

Early life and career

Brad Hoylman-Sigal was born on October 27, 1965, in Phoenix, Arizona. He spent his formative years in rural Lewisburg, West Virginia, where he was the youngest of six children. His mother, Audrey Kennedy Hoylman, worked as a public elementary school teacher, while his father, James M. Hoylman, was a process systems analytics analyst. Hoylman-Sigal's early life included participation in scouting, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 70 in Lewisburg.

Hoylman-Sigal attended Greenbrier East High School in West Virginia, where he likely developed an interest in leadership and public service. He went on to pursue higher education at West Virginia University (WVU), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and English literature in 1989. At WVU, he distinguished himself as a student leader, serving as president of the student administration and graduating summa cum laude. His academic achievements included membership in the Phi Beta Kappa honor society, as well as receiving prestigious scholarships such as the Truman Scholarship and the Marshall Scholarship.

Following his undergraduate studies, Hoylman-Sigal attended Oxford University, specifically Exeter College, where he pursued a Master of Philosophy in political science, completing his degree in 1992. He then continued his education at Harvard Law School, where he earned a Juris Doctor degree in 1996.

After completing his legal education, Hoylman-Sigal began his professional career as an associate at the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison from 1996 to 1998. He subsequently worked as an associate at Frankfurt, Garbus, Klein & Selz from 1998 until 2000. In 2000, he transitioned to a role as executive vice president and general counsel of the Partnership for New York City, an organization that represents the business leadership of New York City and its largest private-sector employers. He held this position until 2012.

In addition to his professional roles, Hoylman-Sigal was actively engaged in community service and local politics. He served as chairperson of Community Board 2 in Manhattan and was the Democratic District Leader of the New York 66th Assembly District, Part A. His involvement in civic organizations included serving as a trustee of the Community Service Society of New York and holding leadership positions in various advocacy groups, including the Gay and Lesbian Independent Democrats and the Empire State Pride Agenda. In 2001, he ran for a seat on the New York City Council in the first district, which includes Governor's Island and parts of Lower Manhattan, finishing second in a competitive race.

Legislative service

Brad Hoylman-Sigal announced his candidacy for the New York State Senate's 27th District on June 11, 2012. He sought to succeed retiring state senator Tom Duane and garnered significant support, including Duane's endorsement and backing from various local politicians and unions. In the Democratic primary held on September 13, 2012, he emerged victorious, securing 68% of the vote in a three-candidate race. He faced no opposition in the general election that November.

During his time in the New York State Senate, which lasted from 2013 to 2019, Hoylman-Sigal was re-elected multiple times, winning the Democratic primary and general elections in 2014, 2016, and 2018 with substantial majorities. By the end of his tenure, he was the only openly gay member of the New York State Senate, a distinction he held until he was joined by another openly gay senator in 2021.

In December 2016, Hoylman-Sigal sponsored the Tax Returns Uniformly Made Public (T.R.U.M.P.) Act, legislation aimed at requiring presidential candidates to disclose at least five years of tax returns prior to an election. This initiative gained traction, inspiring similar proposals in other states.

Following the 2018 midterm elections, he was appointed chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in advancing several significant pieces of legislation. Notable among these was the Child Victims Act, which extended the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims and created a one-year lookback window for survivors to file lawsuits against their abusers. This legislation led to thousands of lawsuits being filed, including against prominent institutions.

Hoylman-Sigal also championed the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and a ban on conversion therapy for minors. He sponsored the TRUST Act, which allowed Congressional committees to review the New York State tax returns of senior government officials, a move that was seen as a means to enhance governmental oversight.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Hoylman-Sigal focused on a range of social justice issues, particularly those affecting marginalized communities. His advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights was a hallmark of his tenure, as he worked to promote equality and protect the rights of individuals within this community. The passage of GENDA and the ban on conversion therapy were key achievements that underscored his commitment to these issues.

In addition to LGBTQ+ rights, Hoylman-Sigal was deeply invested in reforming laws related to child sexual abuse. The Child Victims Act, which he sponsored, represented a significant shift in how New York State addressed such cases, providing survivors with greater avenues for justice.

Hoylman-Sigal's district, New York's 27th Senate District, included diverse neighborhoods within Manhattan, characterized by a vibrant mix of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. His legislative efforts were often reflective of the needs and concerns of his constituents, particularly in urban settings where issues such as housing, education, and public safety were paramount.

After leaving the New York State Senate in 2019, Hoylman-Sigal continued his public service, being elected as Manhattan borough president in 2026. His ongoing commitment to civic engagement and advocacy for progressive policies remains evident in his career trajectory.