Comptroller Scott Stringer announces 2021 run for NYC mayor

September 9, 2020 Karen Matthews Associated Press

NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer is disinvesting the city’s pension funds from fossil fuels and is “doubling down” on investments in the green economy, he said at an exclusive interview with the Brooklyn Eagle on Wednesday. Eagle photo by Mary Frost

NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer during an exclusive interview with the Brooklyn Eagle on May 8, 2019. Photo: Mary Frost/Brooklyn Eagle

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New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer formally announced his candidacy for mayor Tuesday, pledging to build the city back from the coronavirus pandemic and economic crisis if he is elected to succeed Bill de Blasio in 2021.

“This city is strong. Our people are strong. But they should not have to fight their way back on their own,” Stringer said in a speech outside his childhood home in upper Manhattan.

In 2019, Stringer sat down with the Eagle to discuss the benefits of divesting the city’s pension funds from fossil fuels and focusing investments in the green economy.

The 60-year-old Democrat got his start in city politics when he was appointed to his local community board at age 16. As comptroller, he is the city’s chief fiscal officer and chief auditor. He was first elected to the position in November 2013, when de Blasio was first elected mayor. Both are barred by the city charter from seeking reelection in 2021.

Stringer has previously served as Manhattan borough president and as a member of the state Assembly.

Stringer will likely be part of a crowded Democratic primary field in the first New York City election that will be determined by ranked choice voting, with voters ranking as many as five candidates in order of preference.