New York City Council Candidate's Taylor Swift Obsession Draws Scrutiny in Election Mailer

New York City voters have expressed bewilderment and amusement over a voting mailer featuring City Council candidate Haris Bhatti, whose self-written platform statement includes the declaration, "I'm a jealous Swiftie who prayed to be Taylor Swift’s husband."

The mailer, part of the nonpartisan NYC Votes initiative by the New York City Campaign Finance Board, highlights the only City Council race on the ballot this year: the contest for District 3 on Manhattan's West Side. Bhatti is challenging incumbent Councilman Carl Wilson, who took office earlier this year following a special election.

The unusual statement from Bhatti, a Cornell University graduate and a candidate who previously ran for Congress in 2016, has become a focal point of discussion on social media platforms.

"Need everyone in New York to wake up and look at who they used as an example for the city council voting guide for the upcoming election because it’s insane," one user posted on X, sharing a photograph of Bhatti's campaign bio.

Bhatti himself has acknowledged his strong admiration for the pop superstar, stating in an interview that Swift inspired his political aspirations. "First I was trying to get the attention of a female celebrity I admire. Second, there are issues I want to make more main stream," he told The Post.

Beyond his affinity for Swift, Bhatti's platform, as detailed on his website, includes proposals such as banning smoking, vaping, and gambling, advocating against 9/11 conspiracy theories, and addressing the student debt crisis. His inclusion of the Swift-related remark in an official election guide, particularly given Swift's high-profile relationship with Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce, has drawn particular attention.

"Yes, the Swiftie thing is hilarious, but banning tobacco?? Who is this person???? this must be a joke bc I literally think this collection of political preferences does not exist in a single person in the country," another X user commented.

Bhatti initially attempted to run against Wilson in the April special election but did not gather enough signatures. He later secured the necessary signatures to appear on the general election ballot as an independent candidate. He is the sole challenger to an incumbent in the 2026 general election.

According to Aaron Ghitelman, a press secretary for the Campaign Finance Board, all candidates on the ballot are eligible to participate in the Voter Guide. "All candidates who appear on the ballot, regardless of how much money they raise, are eligible to participate in the Voter Guide and share their platform with New York City voters. The City Charter specifically requires a print guide to include all candidates who appear on the ballot for City races and Citywide Ballot Proposals," Ghitelman stated.

Bhatti has raised over $15,000 for his campaign. He described his current run against an incumbent who recently won a special election as an effort to test the political waters and gain experience, acknowledging it is a "longshot."