Andrew Yang enters race for New York City mayor

NEW YORK — Andrew Yang made it official Wednesday, announcing his candidacy for mayor of New York City.

>> Read more trending news

Yang, a Democrat who made an unsuccessful run at the presidency in 2020, released a campaign video to announce his entry into an already crowded field, The Wall Street Journal reported.

“I moved to New York City 25 years ago. I came of age, fell in love, and became a father here. Seeing our City in so much pain breaks my heart,” Yang tweeted on Wednesday night, along with a nearly two-and-a-half-minute video.

“Let’s fight for a future New York City that we can be proud of -- together. Join us at YangforNY.com,” Yang tweeted.

Yang made the announcement on his 46th birthday.

Yang’s campaign released a video showing him in iconic locations across New York City, Spectrum News NY1 reported. He plays the piano near the Coney Island boardwalk, rides the subway near Yankee Stadium, watches a skateboarder before trying it himself at Grand Army Plaza and walks across the Brooklyn Bridge alongside his wife, Evelyn Yang.

“I ran for president because I saw the economy was not working for everyday Americans,” Yang said in the video. “Seeing my city the way it is now, breaks my heart.”

Yang, a former tech executive, was backed during his failed presidential bid by supporters dubbed the “Yang Gang,” who helped him raise $40 million over the course of his campaign, CNN reported.

Yang’s proposals include the city regaining control of the subway, which is currently operated by the state-run Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Another proposal calls for the creation of a citywide universal basic income, which was a cornerstone of his presidential campaign before he dropped out in February 2020. Yang’s proposal would give more than 500,000 New Yorkers $2,000 to $5,000 annually, The Wall Street Journal reported.

“We need to realize Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of a guaranteed minimum income and get cash into the hands of people who need it most,” Yang said in his video.

Yang’s announcement comes several weeks after he filed paperwork to run for the office, CNN reported.

On Air103.3 The Eagle - Tulsa's ONLY Classic Rock Logo

mobile apps

Everything you love about 1033theeagle.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!