Andrew Yang, a leading New York mayoral candidate who has conducted extensive face-to-face campaigning amid the pandemic, announced on Tuesday that he had tested positive for the coronavirus.
“After testing negative this weekend, I took a Covid rapid test today and got a positive result,” said Mr. Yang in a statement. “I am experiencing mild symptoms, but otherwise feel good and cheerful. I will quarantine in accordance with public health guidelines and follow my doctor’s advice. “
Perhaps more than any other contender in this year’s race, Mr. Yang tried to forge a personal campaign trail, hosting multiple events outside since he ran for office last month.
His approach has generated enthusiasm and attention in the news media on the ground, but even before Mr. Yang tested positive, the risks were clear: An employee tested positive less than a week after he announced he would become mayor, forcing the candidate to be quarantined.
But Mr. Yang had since returned to a robust personal schedule. He said his campaign had begun to track down contracts.
“During this time, I will continue to attend as many virtual events as possible, in addition to working with our incredible campaign team to continue our mission of getting New York City back on its feet,” said Mr. Yang, 46, in the verdict. “When the time is right, I look forward to following the campaign trail again and developing a positive vision for the future of our city.”
Health concerns aside, the developments vividly illustrate the campaign challenges facing the mayoral candidates as they try to stand out ahead of the June Democratic primaries. Many are concerned about their ability to connect via live streams and wonder how many voters they really reach with virtual events. But the health risks – for the candidates, their staff and their supporters – remain real.
Scott M. Stringer, the city warden whose mother died of complications from Covid-19, and Maya Wiley, a former counsel to Mayor Bill de Blasio, were both recently quarantined, though they were generally much more careful with person-to-person campaigning.
Pursuing a strong personal schema can also carry political risk, especially in a democratic primary.
During the presidential campaign, Democrats stood in stark contrast to their Republican rivals about taking the virus seriously. President Biden’s staffers argued that by pursuing a lighter personal campaign schedule, they respected the scientific and medical recommendations and provided a glimpse of how Mr. Biden would lead the country through the pandemic – as opposed to the big in-person meetings.
None of the hopeful Democratic mayors hold major rallies, although Eric Adams, the president of the Brooklyn Ward, has been criticized for raising funds.
But they do face the challenge of breaking out of a busy field while signaling that they are serious about a pandemic that has devastated the city.
On Twitter, Mr. Yang used the moment to propose a balm to speed his recovery.
“In all seriousness, if you want me to feel better, donate to my campaign!” He wrote. “Then I can relax.”