Brad Lander, the current New York City Comptroller, announced Tuesday that he will challenge Mayor Eric Adams in next year’s Democratic primary.
The current guarantor of the public finances of the Big Apple, who also was a city councilman, has been a strong critic of Adams in his management of the migration crisis, as he has put on the table the need to invest much more budgetary resources in the new arrivals. And he has radically opposed the idea of setting very short periods of stay in shelters, describing the 30-60 day rule as “cruel.”
As comptroller, one of his most recent actions had to do with the influx of migrants, when he questioned the fact that millions of dollars were awarded without any bidding to a company that offered services to new arrivals.
Lander’s office is also supporting several lawsuits to force the implementation of congestion pricing for vehicles traveling south of 60th Street in Manhattan.
In a video posted on social media, Lander said that “a leader must be replaced when he fails to pass the basic tests of the job, being honest with us, keeping our families safe, making sure our children learn. The basic things that New Yorkers need their government to do.”
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: To deliver a safer, more affordable, more livable, and better-run city…
I proudly announce my candidacy for Mayor of New York City.
Please watch our new video to learn about my vision for the city, and join our campaign at https://t.co/xG3YYcLK5u pic.twitter.com/9sux4Dx8p5
— Brad Lander (@bradlander) July 30, 2024
From the progressive wing
Although he made no reference to his political roots in the launch video, Lander has shown throughout his career as elected leader his progressive stance. That is, on the more left-wing side of the Democratic Party.
As can be seen from his legislative management, during his time on the City Council, he focused on police reform, guaranteeing the minimum wage for delivery workers, road safety policies and measures to protect workers from wage scams.
Lander was part of the council members who fought to defund the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and direct it toward social services and community programs.
Lander faced term limits for his seat on Brooklyn’s 39th District City Council and was elected as city comptroller. His candidacy garnered support from high-profile left-wing figures, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
“The mayor promised security, and people feel more anxious and insecure. He promised affordability, but rents are higher than ever. He promised childcare spots, but there were thousands of people on waiting lists. The future of the city demands better leadership now,” said the candidate to lead the destiny of the Big Apple from 2026.
Two other left-leaning Democratic contenders, Scott Stringer, a former city comptroller, and Zellnor Myrie, a state senator from Brooklyn, have opened campaign committees and begun raising money for mayoral bids. Colombian-born state Sen. Jessica Ramos, who represents parts of Queens, has also floated her name as a candidate to replace Adams, but that effort has not moved forward in recent months.
Spokespeople for centrist Adams told El Diario in response to Lander’s launch that the current mayor’s “record is excellent: less crime, more jobs, historic investments in housing and child care. We should all focus on electing the country’s first black female president, not attacking New York’s second black mayor.”