Yang files to open campaign account for NYC mayor

Entrepreneur and former 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang has formally filed to run for mayor of New York City next year, according to NBC New York, citing the city’s Campaign Finance Board.

Yang filed the paperwork after a poll earlier this week found him leading among Democratic contenders for mayor, garnering 17 percent among likely Democratic voters.

Only Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams approached Yang’s support in the poll, although about 40 percent of voters were undecided and the poll’s candidates did not include outgoing Rep. Max Rose (D-N.Y.), who has announced a bid of his own.

Most other contenders in the poll, including former Citigroup Vice Chair Ray McGuire and Maya Wiley, a former aide to Mayor Bill de Blasio (D), polled in the single digits.

A separate poll from Slingshot Strategies showed Yang similarly positioned, with 17 percent compared to Adams and City Comptroller Scott Stringer, both of whom pulled 11 percent among likely Democratic voters.

The city’s Democratic mayoral primary is set to take place June 22.   

Yang, a native of Schenectady, has lived in the city since 1996, but has never voted for mayor in a primary or general election, according to records obtained by City & State New York.

Political consultant Michael Oliva told the publication that Yang’s lack of experience in elected office likely makes him more attractive to voters, not less.

“If you look at most polling trends these days, experience just doesn’t rank high. It’s not what people are really looking for,” he said. “They’re looking for fresh ideas, bold ideas. … People are frustrated, they’re looking for something different.”