Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2025 race for New York City Comptroller. With a focus on improving affordability for city residents, Levine aims to wield the authority of the watchdog position to benefit New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet.
In a formal announcement on Thursday, Levine emphasized the pressing challenges facing New York families, from soaring prices to a general sense of increasing difficulty in daily life. “We need a government that’s on our side, that fights for us, and that understands our daily struggles,” he declared.
Having served as Manhattan Borough President since 2022, Levine brings a wealth of experience and a track record of community advocacy to his bid for Comptroller. His candidacy has already garnered support from key figures such as Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Member Maritza Davila, and Brooklyn District Leaders Jenna Bimbi and Joey Saban.
“As Comptroller, I’ll be a watchdog for taxpayers, making sure every dollar is spent wisely, and fighting to lower the cost of living for everyone,” Levine outlined his vision. He pledged to prioritize affordable housing, improved public safety, better schools, and vibrant neighborhoods as part of his platform.
Levine’s entry into the race adds to the growing list of potential contenders for the Comptroller position. Among them are Queens Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar and Brooklyn Councilman Justin Brannan. While Rajkumar has been a visible supporter of Mayor Eric Adams in the past, her recent absence from the mayor’s side suggests a shift in focus towards her own city-wide candidacy announced in August.
Brannan, as the term-limited chair of the Council’s finance committee, has also expressed interest in running for Comptroller, having taken initial steps by filing fundraising paperwork. However, an official announcement on his bid is still pending, adding intrigue to an already competitive race.
The upcoming election for Comptroller comes as the current officeholder, Brad Lander, prepares to step down to pursue a mayoral campaign against Adams. Lander’s departure sets the stage for a new leader to take on the crucial role of overseeing the city’s finances and ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending.
As the race for Comptroller heats up, candidates like Levine, Rajkumar, and Brannan are poised to offer diverse perspectives and policy proposals to address the pressing needs of New Yorkers. With affordability, fiscal responsibility, and community well-being at the forefront, the competition for this pivotal position promises to be a closely watched affair in the city’s political landscape.
Stay tuned for updates as the campaign unfolds, and the candidates make their case to voters on how they plan to shape the future of New York City’s financial stewardship and governance.
