Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the New York City Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), is facing eviction proceedings for failing to pay rent on his Brooklyn apartment. According to the New York Post, Gordillo signed a lease for a one-bedroom apartment in Crown Heights at a rate of $2,500 per month in May 2025 but has missed several payments. His landlord filed a case in housing court in March seeking $5,000 for unpaid rent from December and January. Gordillo did not respond to the court filing, allowing the landlord to pursue a default judgment. The apartment has since been rented to another tenant.
Gordillo's parents purchased a row house in Bedford-Stuyvesant in 2019 for just under $1 million, which has a current fair market value of $1.4 million. Renovation plans for the property were filed in 2023, and work is ongoing. Gordillo has publicly stated that housing court does not address the broader issues of landlordism and rent, which he believes should be abolished.
In March, Gordillo was terminated from his apprenticeship with IBEW Local 3 due to prolonged absence and failure to participate in required work and classes. He is also reportedly three months behind on union dues. Recently, Gordillo requested that his unpaid leadership role within NYC-DSA be converted into a paid position, which was approved, granting him a salary of $95,000 a year plus benefits.
City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino criticized Gordillo's actions, stating that it reflects a sense of entitlement among DSA members. Attorney Maud Maron commented on the disparity between Gordillo's financial situation and the policies advocated by the DSA, which she argues raise costs for others without similar financial support. The housing court case against Gordillo remains active.