Mayor Bill de Blasio has spoken with his inner circle and allies about running for governor, and sources say he is increasingly confident he can win.
“I fell out of my chair laughing – he’s thinking honestly about it,” said a former senior adviser. “Because of all these Cuomo sts, he feels brave.”
Hizzoner played coy all week when asked if he was keeping an eye on his controversial rival’s job. “The future will take care of itself,” he said with a grin when a reporter posed the question Thursday.
The public comments aren’t just meant to incite Gov. Cuomo – but behind closed doors, De Blasio is openly talking to advisers about going against him in a Democratic primary in 2022, multiple insiders said. De Blasio has a term limit, leaving office at the end of this year, while Cuomo may seek re-election for a fourth term in November 2022.
The discussions come as Cuomo faces two growing investigations: a state attorney general investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against at least three women and a federal investigation into the alleged cover-up of COVID-related deaths in nursing homes.
With Cuomo’s blood in the water, the mayor’s team has reached out to major unions to gauge support, including District Council 37, which represents government employees; the Local 1199 SEIU Health Workers’ Union; and the 32BJ Local SEIU, which represents construction workers, sources said.
“He’s calling his work friends,” said one officer. He is interested. I think whatever happens – even if the governor runs for a fourth term – de Blasio will give him priority. “
Bill Neidhardt, the Blasio’s press secretary, said, “As reported a few weeks ago, the mayor is in constant discussion with friends in the labor movement about the future of progressive politics in New York City.”
De Blasio believes his own image is bouncing off last year’s low, playing bumbling foil for Cuomo as the governor’s popularity peaked during the early stages of the pandemic.
“The more he talks about it, the more he says, ‘Maybe this isn’t such a bad idea … maybe I have a chance,’” said the former senior adviser on a governmental run. “The way it’s described to me is like he’s talking to himself about it.”
A longtime Albany insider said the talk with de Blasio for governor is gaining momentum.
“I’ve heard it said in a more than joking way,” said the source. ‘It doesn’t scare me. This is a man with a huge ego, an bloated sense of self-righteousness. He’s someone who has run for president, even though it was clear he was never going to gain traction. “
A current City Hall official said they fully expect de Blasio to run.
He ran for president. It fits in a pattern of megalomania, ”said the source. “Of course he would love to become a political commentator, but if there is a route to take for an elected office, he will follow it.”
The offer would be as much a longshot as its failed 2020 presidential run, Democratic strategists said.
“It is surprising that after all this time he would think he could be elected to New York,” said Karen Hinton, a former press secretary for both de Blasio and Cuomo. ‘I’m not trying to take anything away from his accomplishments – I think he’s had a lot – but New Yorkers who write a lot don’t really like him, and I find it hard to imagine he could reform himself and get elected. could be. That’s tough, but I think that’s clear. “
Hinton said she expects him to switch to a nonprofit, or education, or commentary.
A second former adviser agreed: “I thought he would take quite some time off to regroup and think about what he wants to do next … I kind of imagined he would take some political craftsmanship. and give a college course. But he recently said publicly that he’s not going to the private sector, so who knows. “
Sources said de Blasio could face a stronger enemy than Cuomo if he seeks the governor’s mansion.
If Attorney General Letitia James “decides to flee, she will have the support of the Brooklyn Democrats,” said a party source, who noted that James got her start in New York politics as a Brooklyn city councilor.
It’s also unlikely that De Blasio would get support from the powerful Democratic Party progressive wing over James.
‘She’s African American, she’s a woman, they’re all in her favor. The Left really loves her, ”said the Albany insider.
A third former de Blasio employee said his ex-boss “has a shot” against “a weakened Cuomo … but when he runs in an open field against Letitia James,” [Long Island Rep.] Kathleen Rice and others, he probably doesn’t stand a chance. “
Former De Blasio press secretary Eric Phillips said he has not had any recent discussions with the mayor over governmental aspirations, but defended his former boss’s record.
“There is no doubt that it was fashionable to hate Bill de Blasio in July, but if you look back at the result, his report will be pretty good,” said Phillips.
‘I don’t think the mayor is good at theater. He never was … Andrew Cuomo is great at theater. “
In July, the Blasio’s approval rating hovered at 40 percent, while Cuomo was 73 percent popular, according to a Manhattan Institute poll.
The status of the governor has since fallen sharply. A new study from Quinnipiac University found that 45 percent of New Yorkers approve of Cuomo’s work, while 46 percent disapprove.
But a quarterback warned those betting against Cuomo’s fourth term.
“Don’t underestimate Andrew Cuomo,” he said. ‘I don’t think he’s as ready as some people say. He still has a chance to redeem himself. “