New York City Comptroller Brad Lander Announces Mayoral Bid, Challenging Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams for 2025 Democratic Primary

City Comptroller Brad Lander Challenges Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams in New York City

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander has thrown his hat in the ring to contend for the mayoral seat against sitting Mayor Eric Adams. The seasoned public servant declared his intentions on Tuesday in a video announcement, further adding to an increasingly diverse collection of candidates looking to challenge the incumbent in the 2025 Democratic primary.

Lander’s Campaign Agenda

Lander, 55, questioned the current leadership’s efficacy during his announcement, lamenting how ineffective it has proven for most New Yorkers. He criticized the administration for charitable considerations favoring a minority while the majority continued to grapple with significant livelihood challenges.

In his campaign message, Lander argued that leadership that fails the fundamental roles it ought to deliver requires replacement. He underscored the critical issues of fair wages, more affordable housing, budget cuts to libraries, improved transportation, and the exorbitant costs of childcare which he pledged to address if elected.

Growing Opposition for June’s Primaries

Lander enters the fray of an expanding array of contenders eyeing the mayoral position in the forthcoming primary scheduled for June. The line-up includes former city comptroller Scott Stringer, who preceded Lander in the comptroller’s office, and State Senator Zellnor Myrie from Brooklyn. The trio represents a swing toward progressive politics, providing an alternative avenue for voters seeking change from the incumbent’s more moderate approach.

Competing for the Open Comptroller Seat

Lander’s decision to vie for the mayor’s position has led to a scramble to fill his comptroller seat. Among the interested candidates is State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar of Queens, a proven mayoral associate exploring a run at the soon-to-be-vacated position.

Tensions Already Brewing

Signs of a contentious race ahead are in store. A history of charged conversations exists between Mayor Adams and Comptroller Lander. The incumbent has in the past referred to Lander as “the loudest person in New York City” and quite disparagingly called attention to his voice’s nasal tone. Furthermore, the mayor has openly criticized Lander for failing to advocate for additional city funding in Washington, D.C., particularly during the height of the asylum seekers’ crisis.

However, Lander, in his pursuit to unseat Mayor Adams, is leading a host of confident candidates who believe the incumbent’s executive limitations provide an opportunity for a fresh, people-centric leadership committed to the resolution of New Yorker’s pressing concerns.