Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine officially announced his candidacy for New York City Comptroller Thursday. He pledges to confront the city’s affordability crisis, protect fiscal health, and oppose the incoming federal administration, which poses a threat to the city’s values.
His campaign kicked off with strong endorsements from key Brooklyn leaders, including Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assembly Members Brian Cunningham and Maritza Davila, and District Leaders Jenna Bimbi and Joey Saban.
In his campaign launch, Levine emphasized what he called the dual crises facing New Yorkers today: skyrocketing living costs and a waning faith in government.
“We’re facing a dual crisis of affordability and confidence in government–it’s time for government to deliver for New Yorkers,” Levine said. “New York families are struggling. Prices are skyrocketing, and it feels like everything is getting harder. We need a government that’s on our side, that fights for us, and that understands our daily struggles.”
Levine’s key priorities as Comptroller include:
- Driving affordability and solving the housing crisis
- Supporting working families by leveraging his oversight and audit powers to ensure city agencies and budgets aid in rebuilding the middle class
- Demanding fiscal responsibility and smart investments
- Auditing outdated government processes and updating technology policies to foster innovation
- Focusing on agency efficiency and effectiveness to better address the daily needs of city residents
Levine highlighted his experience as a key asset in his campaign.
“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. I’ll work to build housing that is affordable, to make our streets safer, our schools better, and our neighborhoods more vibrant,” he said.
The endorsements from Brooklyn leaders signal significant support for Levine’s campaign.
“Mark’s deep understanding of the issues New Yorkers face in their everyday lives is invaluable,” said Reynoso. “Our city needs someone like Mark at the helm – leaders who are guided by their values, who will go through the books line by line, and make sure New York is on a strong fiscal path.”
Cunningham also touted Levine’s efforts to champion affordability in NYC.
“Mark is a champion of working families and will fight to make sure they can get by in a city that has become unaffordable for too many,” Cunningham added.
Levine has been working to create a more equitable and resilient city since taking office on Jannuary 2022. During his time as borough president, he has launched several initiatives aimed at benefiting everyday people, including the expansion of the urban canopy through the Million More Trees plan, providing interest-free loans to local entrepreneurs through the Manhattan Small Business Booster Loans program, and advocating for coastal resiliency projects through the NYC Waterfront Protection Agency.
His efforts also include advocating for congestion pricing, e-commerce reform and expanding cycling infrastructure through the Campaign to Curb Congestion.
