Bill de Blasio, the former mayor of New York, announced on Friday that he would run for Congress in the newly created area stretching from Lower Manhattan to his home in Brooklyn, jumping into a crowded Democratic field.
Mr de Blasio, who left the post with a low approval rating in December after two terms, was publicly considering a campaign this week after a state court released a list of new proposed congressional areas that would open a safe blue spot in the heart of New York .
He announced his attempt to return early Friday morning to his favorite television show, MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” hours before the map was finalized and potentially adjusted.
“Studies show that people are hurt, they need help, they need help quickly, and they need leaders who can really help them now and know how to do it,” said Mr de Blasio, 61. I know how to do this. It’s been years of service to the people of this city, so I’m announcing my candidacy for Congress today. “
After eight years as mayor and a disastrous presidential candidacy in 2020, Mr de Blasio will enter the race, better known than almost any potential opponent, with progressive achievements and a trail of political disappointments.
But several other Democrats have already expressed interest in running for office and could run before the August 23 primary.
These include U.S. Sen. Brad Hoyleman, a Manhattan progressive; U.S. Sen. Simcha Felder, whose district includes the orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn Park; and meeting members Yuh-Line Niou, Robert Carroll and Jo Anne Simon.
Ms Niu, a former left-leaning political figure representing Chinatown and parts of Lower Manhattan in the Assembly, was due to make an “important statement” on Saturday.
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