Congressional candidate Cameron Kasky calls New York race a ‘twink-off’ ahead of 2026 run
“It’s an exciting twink-off. And I hope that I can prevail as the twink in the twink-off,” Kasky said.
By Aaron Sugg
New York’s 12th congressional district candidate Cameron Kasky called the race a “twink-off” following Jerrold Nadler’s announcement that he won’t seek re-election in 2026.
Appearing on The Don Lemon Show last week (21 November), Kasky, who is queer, noted he will be running alongside several other queer politicians, including New York City councillor Erik Bottcher.
“What I’ve entered is a very, very crowded race of quirked-up white boys who have twinkish qualities about them and are looking to do the right thing,” he said.
“There is a cadre of twinks right now” – Cameron Kasky on the race for New York’s 12th congressional district
The Democratic Socialist added: “There is a cadre of twinks right now. It makes you feel like you are on the ferry to Fire Island Pines getting ready to go dance with a lot of people who are on G and it’s exciting.”
My name is Cameron Kasky and I am running as the Democratic Socialist in New York’s 12th Congressional Twink-Off.
— Cameron Kasky (@camkasky) November 21, 2025
Donate & Support:https://t.co/0WFcrsufs9 pic.twitter.com/FpmJsRrksc
Kasky announced his bid to represent New York’s 12th district on 18 November in a video posted to social media, promoting Medicare for All, abolishing ICE, ending funding to Israel, and highlighting his long-standing anti-gun advocacy.
The 25-year-old candidate survived the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre alongside his younger brother.
“I hope that I can prevail as the twink in the twink-off” – Kasky on wanting to beat the rest of the queer political runners
“It’s an exciting twink-off. And I hope that I can prevail as the twink in the twink-off,” Kasky added.
The politician came out in 2021 in a letter posted to X: “I don’t know what ‘type’ of queer I am, and I am finally okay with that. Bi? Maybe? I don’t know, man,” reflecting on his journey of self-acceptance.
The race consists of 10 known candidates, including civil rights lawyer Laura Dunn, broadcast journalist Jami Floyd, LGBTQ+ rights activist Mathew Shurka, Kennedy heir Jack Schlossberg, assemblymember Alex Bores, and nonprofit founder Liam Elkind.
“I don’t think that there’s a scumbag in this race” – Kasky supports his competitors but thinks his agenda is stronger
Speaking about his fellow candidates, the politician said: “I don’t think that there’s a scumbag in this race who we need to make sure that we stop. I think there’s a bunch of people with agendas that are strong.”
He concluded: “I think my agenda’s stronger.”
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