Jorge DeFendini
(He/Him) Candidate for Ithaca Common Council Ward 1, 4-year term (2026-2030)
Jorge was first elected to Ithaca Common Council in 2021, and used his role to successfully go after union-busting, pass protections for gender affirming care, and secure funding for stabilizing rents.
He's running for another term on Common Council to pass vital protection for workers, improve services for Ithacans of all incomes, and make it easier to make ends meet.
As a democratic socialist, Jorge believes that the government should help us meet our daily needs, create regulations to make things more fair, and support our flourishing.
Jorge’s Top Priorities:
‘Just Cause’ protections to protect workers from getting fired unfairly, requiring a cause & chances to correct.
Guarantee a wage you can live on, by passing a local minimum wage tied to the cost of living.
Protect affordable homes with rent caps, using NYS's rent stabilization law.
Update zoning code to create more housing — without displacing locals.
Expand and improve TCAT service by increasing funding and supporting bus infrastructure.
Improve bike & walking infrastructure for low cost, safe transportation.
Reduce the tax burden by introducing a more equitable fee structure.
Implement community safety initiatives, which reduce violence and crime before it happens.
Vote June 24, 2025
Ward 1
West Hill · Northside Triangle · Southside · West End · Inlet & Island · Nate’s Floral Estates · South Titus Flats · Rt 13 Corridor · Spencer Rd
Endorsements
Ithaca Tenants Union
Ithaca Democratic Socialists of America
Sunrise Movement Ithaca
Tompkins County Legislator Travis Brooks, District 1
Tompkins County Legislator Veronica Pillar, District 2
Ithaca City Alderperson Phoebe Brown, Ward 1
Ithaca City Alderperson Kayla Matos, Ward 1
Ithaca City Alderperson Ducson Nguyen, Ward 2
Southside Community Center Executive Director Chavon Bunch
Tompkins County Workers’ Center Coordinator Pete Myers
Press Coverage
Former Alderperson Jorge DeFendini launches campaign for First Ward seat
By Judy Lucas
January 24, 2025
“‘I want to use my experience on the council, but also as someone who’s gone through it, to really deliver on some material change for affordability and stability in the city,’ DeFendini said.”