Former NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio withdraws bid for Congress

Bill De Blasio, who served as Mayor of New York from 2014 to 2021, ended his bid to represent the 10th Congressional District by conceding that “it’s not going work out.”

“I’ve really listened carefully to people and it’s clear to me that when it comes to this congressional district, people are looking for another option. And I respect that,” De Blasio said in a video statement posted to Twitter. De Blasio said that now is the time for him to “leave electoral politics” and “focus on other ways to serve,” per the New York Post.

“The bottom line is, I’m filled with gratitude today, truly, for all the good in New York City. I feel New York City in my heart and soul. I really do. And I’m just appreciative,” De Blasio added. “Even though this is not going to work out, I hope you know how much I appreciate you and we’re gonna do a lot together to make this city better in the future.”

According to receipts from the Federal Election Commission, De Blasio raised more than $510,000. Despite the figure raised, De Blasio performed poorly in polls for the race. A data for progress poll conducted last week showed that De Blasio picked up 5% of the vote.

The 10th Congressional District, which was redrawn this year, goes from Manhattan’s West Village to Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. The district includes De Blasio’s former base Park Slope.

Voters in New York will now choose from Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou, Lower East Side City Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, Westchester Rep. Mondaire Jones, ex-House impeachment lawyer Daniel Goldman and Assemblywoman JoAnne Simon.