Andrew Yang speaks at McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner. | Matt Rourke / AP Photo
Former presidential candidate Andrew Yang filed the paperwork to open a campaign account for mayor on Wednesday, according to the Campaign Finance Board. The change comes after weeks of speculation and two surveys showing him at the top of the current field.
If the 45-year-old decides to dive, he will bring recognition to his name and dedicated online followers to the race as things start to get better before the June primaries.
Context: Yang’s presidential candidacy was anchored by the concept of a universal basic income, which in his case meant $ 1,000 a month for everyone in the country over the age of 18. And while he went from a complete stranger to wide national recognition, the Manhattanite dropped out in February to endorse President-elect Joe Biden.
The city’s coffers don’t have enough money to make his subscription policy work at the municipal level, but according to people who spoke to Yang, he would propose a modified version of the concept.
Initial research: Yang led the field in two recent polls, one commissioned by a charter school advocacy group and the other by Tusk Strategies, which is advising the likely candidate. He raised more than 15 percent in each case and outpaced Brooklyn Borough vice president Eric Adams and city controller Scott Stringer. However, many of the respondents had not yet made up their mind.
What is the next: Yang has has been giving tips that it will compete for weeks and should launch its offer in January. His inexperience in city politics and civic circles can be a significant obstacle, but supporters hope that his personality as a tech entrepreneur and outside politician with an easily digestible campaign platform can succeed in New York after failing across the board. the country.