New York State Senator Zellnor Myrie is officially in the race for New York City mayor, having announced his candidacy on December 3, 2024. Currently representing the 20th Senate District, which covers parts of Central Brooklyn, Myrie has garnered a modest 4.8 percent support among voters, according to a recent Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill survey.
Myrie, who was born to Costa Rican immigrants and raised in the Prospect Lefferts Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn, boasts an impressive educational background. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and earned a degree in Urban Studies from Fordham University. His career in public service began as the Legislative Director for City Councilmember Fernando Cabrera before he decided to pursue a law degree at Cornell Law School. In 2018, Myrie was elected to the New York State Senate and continues to serve his district.
As part of his campaign, Myrie introduced an initiative called “Rebuild NYC,” which aims to create one million homes in the city. This ambitious plan includes constructing 70,000 homes and transforming underutilized land into “New Neighborhoods.” In addition to housing, Myrie has proposed a comprehensive education-focused strategy that encompasses universal afterschool programs, extended hours for 3-K and Pre-K, and a universal summer youth employment program, building upon existing efforts.
Myrie’s commitment to addressing issues faced by Black New Yorkers is encapsulated in his “Black Agenda for NYC.” This platform focuses on reducing the racial wealth gap, investing in Black maternal and reproductive health, and supporting small businesses, among other priorities.
As Myrie engages in the competitive mayoral race, his platform reflects a keen awareness of the city’s diverse needs and challenges, showing promise for meaningful change in New York City governance.