Challenging Adams, City Comptroller Rand announces candidacy for mayor

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Rumors about Brad Lander’s mayoral candidacy began circulating earlier this month, and on the 30th, the New York City Comptroller officially announced his intention to run. A key player in New York’s progressive movement, many on the left have been eager for Lander to enter the race, and his announcement adds another contender against current Mayor Eric Adams.

In his statement, Lander articulated his enthusiasm for presenting a vision of transformative change to New Yorkers, aiming to craft the next significant chapter for the city. His new campaign website showcases several achievements from his time as Comptroller, including raising concerns about costly immigrant service contracts, calling out the city government’s shortcomings in addressing extreme weather, and opposing budget cuts to libraries and CUNY.

Lander’s critiques of the Adams administration align with those of other candidates such as former Comptroller Scott Stringer and State Senator Zellnor Myrie. He has pinpointed critical issues, including affordable housing, the homelessness crisis, and the urgent need for subway repairs as his top priorities.

A longtime advocate for congestion pricing, Lander has openly criticized its indefinite suspension. He has been a consistent proponent of tenant protections and expanding accessibility to housing vouchers. On immigration, he has championed initiatives like the “Stop the Shelters Eviction Proposal,” aimed at providing robust legal services and case management to help newcomers find stability. Before becoming Comptroller, Lander represented Park Slope in Brooklyn as a city council member.

Recent polls show a notable drop in support for Mayor Adams, hitting a nearly 60-year low. Tensions have also risen between the city administration and the city council regarding mayoral appointments.

Other Democratic hopefuls are also taking notice of the mayoral race, including State Senator Jessica Ramos and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is looking to make a political comeback. Additionally, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso are seen as potential candidates.

State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, a long-time ally of Adams, has recently formed her own exploratory committee to run for the Comptroller position.