Chris Banks: Relationships

Speaker Julie Menin

Banks holds a prominent position in Speaker Menin's leadership team, having been named Deputy Leader of the Council when Menin assumed the speakership in January 2026 . Menin reappointed Banks as Chair of the Committee on Public Housing, and Banks has publicly expressed gratitude for her trust and leadership . He hosted a district reception for Speaker Menin in East New York, marking the first time in recent history that a Council Speaker made an appearance in the 42nd District . The two have issued joint statements on matters including NYCHA-related emergencies, such as the fatal fire at the Boston Secor Houses in the Bronx in January 2026 . Banks has also spoken in support of Menin's legislative initiatives, including Intro 685 to create an Office of Insurance Accountability .

Speaker Adrienne Adams

Banks was one of four new Council members who joined the body when Speaker Adrienne Adams was re-elected to lead the Council in January 2024 . Adams appointed Banks to chair the Committee on Public Housing later that year, a move interpreted as recognition of his community organizing background and his alignment with the Speaker's budgetary priorities . Banks voted in favor of the fiscal year 2025 budget, which Adams championed, and participated in the Speaker's rallies against former Mayor Adams's housing ballot proposals in October 2025 .

The Barron Political Dynasty

Banks's political career is defined in significant part by his decade-long rivalry with Charles and Inez Barron, who had held the 42nd District Council seat and the 60th Assembly District seat between them since 2002 . Banks first challenged Inez Barron for the Assembly seat in 2012, and over the following decade ran against the Barrons five times across Assembly and district leader races before finally unseating Charles Barron in the 2023 Council primary . After his victory, Banks characterized the result as reflecting district fatigue with the Barron political operation, pointing to what he described as their ineffectiveness and inability to collaborate with colleagues .

Labor Unions

Banks's 2023 primary victory was substantially supported by organized labor. He was endorsed by the NYC District Council of Carpenters and the United Federation of Teachers, and benefited from the Labor Strong coalition, which includes DC 37, 32BJ SEIU, the Hotel Trades Council, NYSNA, and CWA District 1 . For his 2025 re-election, Banks was again endorsed by Labor Strong 2025 and the UFT . DC 37 credited the Labor Strong coalition as critical in changing the political landscape in the 42nd District .

Community Organizations

Banks co-founded the East New York Collaborative alongside Rabbi Avrohom Hecht and community activist Nikki Lucas . He has maintained longstanding ties to community organizations in East New York, including the East New York Coalition (which advocated against additional shelters in the community), the 75th Precinct Council, Arts East New York, WE the Kids, and the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club . He is a congregant of Changing Lives Christian Center in East New York .

Hakeem Jeffries

U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries, who has represented Brooklyn and Queens in Congress since 2013 and serves as House Minority Leader, has supported Banks in multiple campaigns against the Barrons. THE CITY reported that Jeffries backed Banks in his various runs, as well as other challengers to Barron's tenure. Jeffries and Charles Barron have a longstanding political rivalry dating to 2012, when Barron challenged Jeffries for the 8th Congressional District seat .

Council Colleagues

Banks has worked closely with Council Member Justin Brannan, Chair of the Finance Committee, on NYCHA-related budget advocacy, particularly the restoration of security guard funding at NYCHA senior developments . He has partnered with Council Member Chi Osse on deed theft legislation and advocacy . Banks has also joined with Council members including Crystal Hudson, Kevin Riley, and Sandy Nurse on housing and development issues at the Council level .