Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on Friday that he is throwing his hat into the ring to run for Congress to represent New York’s newly-created 10th Congressional District. The newly-drawn district covers Lower Manhattan and a larger portion of Brooklyn that also includes de Blasio’s home. The map that includes the new district is still pending final approval, which is expected on Friday.
De Blasio said he is entering the race because he knows from years of serving in government what people need, such as “money back in their pocket,” reducing income inequality and universal Pre-K and 3K. He also touted his performance during the pandemic, stating he was proud to lead New York City out of the worst of the crisis.
The two-term mayor is entering a crowded field with other progressive Democrats such as State Senator Brad Hoylman and Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou.
During his second term as mayor, De Blasio made an unsuccessful run for president, and a May 2021 Spectrum News NY1/Ipsos poll showed that only 37% of New Yorkers approved of the job de Blasio was doing as mayor.
