Bill de Blasio, the former New York City mayor, announced Friday that he would run for Congress in a newly created district stretching from Lower Manhattan to his home in Brooklyn, jumping into a crowded Democratic primary field.
De Blasio, who left office in December after two terms in office with a low approval rating, had publicly considered a campaign this week after a state court released a list of new proposed congressional districts that would secure a blue seat in the heart of New York City.
He announced his comeback attempt early Friday morning on his favorite television show, MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” hours before the card was set to be finalized and potentially tweaked.
“The polls show that people are in pain, they need help, they need help fast and they need leaders who can really give them help now and know how to do it,” said Mr de Blasio, 61. I know how to do it because I have served the people of this city for years, so today I declare my candidacy for Congress.”
After eight years as mayor and a disastrous 2020 presidential election, Mr. De Blasio will enter the race more famous than almost any potential opponent, with a record of progressive achievements and a trail of political disappointment.
But several other Democrats have already expressed interest in running for the seat and could compete with him in an Aug. 23 primary.
They include state senator Brad Hoylman, a progressive man from Manhattan; State Senator Simcha Felder, whose district includes the Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn’s Borough Park; and Assembly members Yuh-Line Niou, Robert Carroll and Jo Anne Simon.
Ms. Niou, a left-wing former political aide who represents Chinatown and parts of lower Manhattan in the Assembly, was said to make an “important announcement” on Saturday.
