Michael Abel

Michael J. Abel (August 24, 1950 – November 13, 2025) was an American politician and businessman from Queens, New York. A Republican, he served in the New York City Council from 1992 to 2001, representing the 19th district, which includes neighborhoods such as Bayside, Whitestone, College Point, Little Neck, Douglaston, Beechhurst, Malba, and Auburndale. He also served as council minority leader for a brief period in 1994.

Early life and career Abel attended Blessed Sacrament School and Holy Cross High School before graduating from Fordham University in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in theater.

After college, Abel opened a Midas Muffler franchise in the South Bronx and later in New Jersey. He also secured funding for the preservation of open space at Udall's Cove.

Minority leader In February 1994, Councilman Alfred C. Cerullo III stepped down as minority leader to become Commissioner of Consumer Affairs. Abel challenged the ouster in court, arguing that his term was to run through 1997, but a state Supreme Court justice dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that no fixed tenure had been established.

2001 borough president race With term limits preventing him from seeking a third Council term, Abel announced his candidacy for Queens borough president in November 1999.

Post-Council career After leaving office in December 2001, Abel remained unemployed for several weeks and expressed interest in a job with Mayor Michael Bloomberg's new administration or in the private sector. He was remembered for securing large city investments in parks and schools.