Michael Blake has launched his campaign for Mayor of New York City.
During a fundraising event at Sankofa Haus on Tuesday (Nov. 26) in New York City, Blake was introduced by Chef Grace Ramirez and small business owner Alfredo Angueira.
“We need a fresh start at City Hall so that the headlines are not about the Department of Justice and investigations but about jobs, justice, and education,” Blake said in his remarks.
“I am running for mayor with a bold Our City, Our Home, Our Dreams policy platform,” he continued. “My platform advances universal child care, faster payments to nonprofits, tax incentives for college graduates and businesses to return to the city, and a balanced approach to public safety, public housing, and public schools in our neighborhoods.”
Blake brings more than 20 years of leadership experience. He served as a member of the New York State Assembly and vice chair of the Democratic National Committee. Blake also was a White House aide to President Barack Obama.
He also created the My Brother’s Keeper program, the only statewide initiative in the country for Black and Brown boys and young men. As chair of the Mitchell-Lama subcommittee, he was a staunch advocate for housing rights and secured historic funding for NYCHA repairs.
After leaving public office, Blake now leads a nonprofit and is an associate pastor at a church in the Bronx.
In an interview with the New York Times, Blake was critical of Mayor Eric Adams’ leadership.
“New Yorkers clearly do not feel that their lives are getting better under his administration,” he said. “Whether it be loss of funds in their pocket or loss of hope and trust. It is hard to see how the city moves forward given the current mayor.”
Blake joins a crowded field of mayoral hopefuls, including Comptroller Scott Stringer and State Sen. Zellnor Myrie. Also, former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams had been rumored to be interested in running for mayor.
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