Who's Running for NYC Mayor in 2017?
The race for New York City's mayor in 2017 was a dynamic and diverse one, with a range of candidates vying to succeed Bill de Blasio. Here's a comprehensive look at the key contenders, their backgrounds, and platforms.
Democratic Candidates
The Democratic primary was particularly crowded, with eight candidates vying for the nomination.
Bill de Blasio
Bill de Blasio, the incumbent mayor, was running for re-election. A progressive Democrat, de Blasio had previously served as the city's Public Advocate. His platform focused on income inequality, affordable housing, and education reform.
Sal Albanese
Sal Albanese, a former city councilman, was also a progressive candidate. He emphasized his independence from special interests and proposed policies like universal pre-K and a millionaire's tax to fund affordable housing.
Christine Quinn
Christine Quinn, the former Speaker of the New York City Council, was another prominent candidate. She positioned herself as a pragmatic progressive, advocating for policies like paid sick leave and affordable housing while also touting her record of bipartisanship.
Cyrus Vance Jr.
Cyrus Vance Jr., the Manhattan District Attorney, entered the race late but quickly gained traction. A moderate Democrat, Vance focused on public safety, economic development, and improving the city's infrastructure.
Republican Candidates
The Republican primary was less crowded, with three main candidates.
Nicole Malliotakis
Nicole Malliotakis, a city councilwoman from Staten Island, was the Republican frontrunner. A conservative, she campaigned on issues like public safety, economic growth, and reducing taxes.
Nicole Gelinas
Nicole Gelinas, a Manhattan-based writer and economist, was another Republican candidate. She ran on a platform of fiscal responsibility, improved public transportation, and reducing the city's reliance on federal funding.
Paul Massey
Paul Massey, a real estate executive, was the third Republican candidate. He positioned himself as a centrist, advocating for policies like affordable housing, economic development, and improving the city's schools.
Other Candidates
In addition to the Democratic and Republican candidates, several other candidates ran on third-party or independent lines.
- Bo Dietl, a former NYPD officer and private investigator, ran on the Rent Is Too Damn High Party line.
- Akeem Browder, a social justice activist, ran on the Green Party line.
- Brian Kavanagh, a former city councilman, ran on the Working Families Party line.
Ultimately, Bill de Blasio won the Democratic primary and went on to defeat Republican candidate Nicole Malliotakis in the general election, securing a second term as New York City's mayor.
