Stringer Marches Towards Mayoral Race
Scott Stringer, former city comptroller, has raised about $425,000 for a potential primary run against current New York Mayor Adams. In light of the city’s matching funds program, this amount could escalate to nearly $2.1 million. This move has added more intrigue to the upcoming 2025 mayoral race.
Earlier in the year, Stringer, along with state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, declared the launch of exploratory committees to prepare for possible campaigns against Adams. The formation of these committees allowed both to kickstart their campaign fundraising.
Details Revealed by Finance Board
On Monday, the Campaign Finance Board plans to reveal fundraising results as part of its latest filing deadline. Stringer, however, provided an advance glimpse into his income over the weekend. He confirmed having $425,000 in donations, out of which approximately $207,000 qualifies for city’s matching funds program. He projects that with these matching funds, the total amount available for his potential campaign against the incumbent mayor could exceed $2 million.
In support of his potential campaign, Stringer revealed that about 2,100 people have donated since January. According to a Stringer campaign operative, around 1,800 of these contributions qualify for matching funds. The average donation hovered around $157.
Stringer’s Intentions Clear
“I’m thrilled,” proclaimed Stringer on his fundraising efforts. He views the donations as evidence of the city’s desire for a leadership change. He stated, “People want someone who’s a proven, experienced manager, someone who understands the city’s finances, and someone who has always done big things.”
Challenges Against Mayor Adams
Despite troubles, Mayor Adams still seems to have a battle advantage against any potential challenger. He wields the power to influence potential supporters through city spending and public policy changes. However, issues like federal and state investigations against him, disagreements with the city council over the budget, and record lows in approval ratings may pose obstacles in his re-election.
Adams campaign is still showing signs of strength with more than $2.2 million in funds according to the Campaign Finance Board. Notably, this figure does not account for additional contributions expected to be reported Monday or potential matching funds.
According to Vito Pitta, Adams’ campaign counsel, the actual available funds are even more. He claimed that the mayor’s campaign has raised over $1 million in the past six months, bringing his total to a staggering $8 million.
Possible Contenders Gearing Up
In addition to Stringer and Myrie, current city comptroller Brad Lander and state Sen. Jessica Ramos have expressed interest in running for the mayor’s office. Stringer, however, seems more than ready for the race, indicating plans for affordable housing, mental health initiatives, and enhanced focus on pre-K education.
He said, “I’m going to make sure that every child gets pre-K and after-school so we can change the direction of the city.” With this, he takes direct aim at the possible weak points in Adams’ leadership.
Claiming his experience to be unmatched, Stringer is seemingly trying to position himself as the most capable contender in the race. As each day passes, the 2025 mayoral race appears more competitive. Stringer’s fundraising success marks an early and potentially significant turning point in what promises to be an exciting political contest.