Left-leaning New York City Comptroller Brad Lander formally announced his candidacy for mayor on Tuesday, aiming to defeat Mayor Eric Adams in next year’s Democratic primary.
Lander was elected comptroller the same year Adams won the mayoral election. Tuesday Campaign Video morning.
“There is no replacement for New York City, but we can replace leaders when they fail the basic tests of the job,” Lander said in his criticism of Adams.
“Now is the time for strong, experienced leadership to deliver real results, delivering equity and safety to build a more affordable, livable city.”
The announcement came after Lander, 55, told major donors last month he was running for the post, people familiar with the matter said.
Lander enters the race as other candidates, including state Sen. Zellnor Miley, former city Comptroller Scott Stringer and Queens Borough Councilman Zohran Mamdani, are considering running against Adams.
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo paid polling firms about $80,000 this year to gauge his popularity as he considered returning to politics, including a possible run for mayor, The Washington Post reported this month.
Lander, who previously served as a Brooklyn Borough Councilman, has been a frequent critic of Adams’ administration since the two took office.
Mayor Adams has seen his approval ratings plummet in recent months as the city deals with an ongoing immigration crisis and a federal investigation looms over his campaign.
The Democratic primary is next June.
