Corey Johnson Announces Run for City Comptroller

Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who many expected to run for mayor, announced his campaign for city comptroller on Tuesday.

Johnson was widely expected to run for mayor until he announced he would not in September, citing how the pandemic had caused him to struggle with mental health issues, the New York Post reported.

“A lot of us were struggling last year. But rather than hiding what was going on, rather than hiding what’s ever been going on ever in my career in public service, I have always chosen to be honest and open,” Johnson said at his campaign announcement.

He said he has since recovered from his bout of depression with help from professionals and loved ones, and is “fully committed to this campaign and I am ready to serve as Comptroller for the City of New York.”

More than a dozen people have registered to run for City Comptroller, including City Councilman Brad Lander, state Senator Brian Benjamin and Assemblyman David Weprin.

However, none of them have the name recognition that Johnson enjoys, from his years in the spotlight as City Council Speaker and for his outgoing nature. Johnson is widely respected for being open about his bouts of depression, his overcoming of health struggles, and for his dance moves at city parades.

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smarcus@hamodia.com