NYC Comptroller Brad Lander Declares Candidacy for Mayor, Challenging Incumbent Eric Adams

New York City’s Brad Lander Announces Mayoral Bid

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, a well-recognized progressive figure, has officially declared his intention to challenge current Mayor Eric Adams in the Democratic primary set for next year.

Challenging Leadership

In his campaign video, Lander posed a question that succinctly outlined his campaign’s central message. “Why does a city that means so much to so many have leadership that delivers so little for so few?” He went on to assert that while no one can replace New York City itself, it is undoubtedly possible to replace a leader if they do not pass the ‘basic tests’ of being in charge.

This announcement establishes Lander, a 55-year-old resident of Park Slope, Brooklyn, as the first official contender trying to prevent Adams from securing a second term as mayor. This is a relatively rare instance of an incumbent mayor facing such a challenge, and could pave the way for a competitive ranked-choice primary.

A Crowded Field

Aside from Lander, two other Democrats with a similar progressive tilt, Scott Stringer, a former NYC comptroller, and Zellnor Myrie, a state senator hailing from Brooklyn, have also launched exploratory committees to consider their own bids for mayor. Like Lander, they have also openly critiqued Adams’ handling of the city.

Adams’ administration has struggled with low poll ratings, with only 28% of local voters expressing their approval of his work. Critics have cited contentious budget cuts, an ineffective handling of the migrant crisis, and an ongoing federal investigation into fundraising for his 2021 campaign as points of significant concern.

Not a Walk in the Park

Yet challenging Adams will not be a cakewalk. The Mayor has built up an impressive war chest for his re-election campaign, raising millions of dollars, which his campaign claimed could potentially grow to a whopping $8 million under the city’s public matching funds program.

As a firm advocate for public safety and given the decrease in crime rates under his administration, Adams remains a strong potential opponent. He has argued that his critics fail to acknowledge his accomplishments, including job growth, increase in housing production, and providing opportunities for women and people of color.

Lander’s Progressive Insight

The decision of Lander, who has been closely monitoring the administration’s fiscal performance in his role as a City Comptroller, to enter the mayoral race is not a surprising move. He has been vocal in his opposition to Adams’ budget cuts and wasteful spending, utilizing his position to root out financial inefficiencies.

Lander’s mayoral bid builds on his successful Comptroller campaign in 2021, which focused on climate change policies and recovery from the pandemic. His progressive stance has garnered him support from notable figures such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.

Finance and Race in Mayoral Race

While creating an appealing campaign narrative is crucial, money will also be a decisive factor in this race. According to public documents, Lander has less than $200,000 on hand. However, his campaign is expected to gain $2.4 million through matching funds.

The race may also revolve around the question of race. Lander and Stringer are both white Democrats, while Myrie represents Afro-Latino interests, shaping the dynamics of this battle for political power.

Looking Ahead

With Lander officially entering the mayoral primary, the race to fill his place as comptroller is expected to begin soon. This development could create opportunities for individuals such as the Manhattan borough president, Mark Levine, the Brooklyn borough president, Antonio Reynoso, and State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar.

Conclusion

Lander’s entry into the mayoral race adds an interesting dynamic to the political landscape in New York City. As his campaign picks up steam, it will be crucial to see how his progressive agenda resonates with New Yorkers and whether it can outshine Adams’ track record and war chest. The coming months will undoubtedly be filled with engaging political debates and developments.