Outgoing Rep. Max Rose (D-N.Y.) is mulling a bid for New York mayor after Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) departs Gracie Mansion next year.
In a statement Sunday, Rose said his run is connected to social issues that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. After becoming an early epicenter of the virus in the U.S., the city saw its numbers fall over the summer but cases have risen again along with most of the country in recent weeks.
“COVID-19 alone did not create an affordability crisis or commuting nightmare. Tens of thousands of homeless New Yorkers were left behind prior to the first COVID case,” Rose wrote. “Long before any lockdown, crime was rising, justice for all wasn’t a reality, our schools were segregated, and City Hall was chasing jobs away while pushing small businesses to the brink.”
Rose also took aim at de Blasio’s performance despite their shared party affiliation.
“In Afghanistan, and in Congress, I never backed down. I told the truth, brought people together, got the job done, and stood up for what was right – even if it meant losing my election,” he said. “When’s the last time you could say that about our current Mayor? We can’t afford another four years like the past seven.”
Rose has taken shots at de Blasio before, releasing a 15-second campaign spot earlier this year that simply consisted of him saying “Bill de Blasio is the worst mayor in the history of New York City.”
Rose lost his red-leaning Staten Island seat to Rep.-elect Nicole Malliotakis (R) in November. He is one of several people who have expressed interest or outright announced they will seek the mayor’s office next year.
Others include entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer and Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia.