The Rocker, the President, and the “Lady in Red.”
New York City Councilman Justin Brannan is considering running for New York City’s Comptroller seat in next year’s election, The Washington Post has learned.
The Brooklyn Democrat, who currently serves as the City Council’s finance chairman, filed paperwork with the Campaign Finance Committee on Tuesday that would allow him to begin fundraising for what is already a hotly contested seat, according to online records.
Records show the council member also registered a political committee for New York City called JB, which mirrors his previous committees, Relect JB and Friends of JB.
Calls to Brannan, 45, were not immediately returned.
It’s unclear whether he’s officially running or is just exploring how much support he can garner as a candidate.
With nearly a year until next year’s primary election, the field is already crowded with candidates vying to become the city’s next financial regulator, with current Comptroller Brad Lander facing off against Mayor Eric Adams.
On Monday, Queens Borough Councilwoman Jennifer Rajkumar casually formally announced her candidacy after reporters noticed that her campaign had posted a campaign video a little early.
The two candidates are expected to face off against Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, who also signaled his interest in the post by submitting an application last week and told The Washington Post he was privately considering a run.
Brannan, who is considered to have limited power within the council and is a potential auditor with experience as finance chair, has been considering his next political move for several months, according to sources.
Over the past few years, the councilman has been a leading voice on budget issues and was a key figure in the push for a 2022 property tax rebate.
He also served as a foil to Adams and his administration over budget cuts during the migrant crisis, which culminated this year with starkly different tax revenue projections.
Brannan, a hardcore punk rocker known for his role in the film “Most Precious Blood,” is the 47th Ward Councilman for Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge ward.
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso had also been rumored to be considering joining the race, but he told Pix11 on Monday he was sticking with his status quo.
