Blaz explores idea of a run for Congress
Former Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed Wednesday he’s mulling a run for an open congressional seat that’s drawn big interest from several politicians looking to take a step up into federal government.
De Blasio posted on Twitter that he’s “forming an Exploratory Committee for the new #NY10 early Wednesday afternoon.
The district in its current configuration is represented by Rep. Jerrold Nadler. But the latest newly drawn congressional district lines put the heart of Nadler’s base into what would be Rep. Carolyn Maloney’s 12th congressional district.
Both of the veteran pols have announced they’d face off in a contest to win what would be Maloney’s district.
“Our neighborhoods need help as we recover from COVID. Our nation needs help as democracy is threatened and working people struggle. I am ready to serve to continue the fight against inequality,” de Blasio tweeted. “Today I am forming an Exploratory Committee for the new#NY10.”
The new district lines have yet to be finalized, but a decision is expected Friday. The current scrambling over who’ll run for which seat — not only in the 10th district, but in other districts as well — comes after the state’s highest court threw out the redistricting map proposed by the Democratic-controlled state legislature.
Special Master Jonathan Cervas, who was tasked with crafting nonpartisan boundaries after that ruling, unveiled his preliminary draft maps on Monday.
Acting Steuben County State Supreme Court Justice Patrick McAllister is expected to sign off on the new maps Friday. If that happens, candidates could start gathering signatures to get on the ballot this weekend.
In its current format, the new 10th district extends across Manhattan, south of 14th St., and into DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope and Borough Park in Brooklyn.
Aside from de Blasio, State Sen. Brad Hoylman has also expressed his intention to run. Former city Comptroller Scott Stringer, Assembly members Robert Carroll and Jo Anne Simon confirmed they are considering runs. And the current city Comptroller Brad Lander, Councilwoman Carlina Rivera and David Yassky, a former City Council member, are also rumored to be thinking it over.