Michelle Caruso-Cabrera (Twitter: @MCaruso_Cabrera)
Jan. 28, 2021 By Allie Griffin
Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, who ran for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s congressional seat last year, announced she is running for public office once again.
The Sunnyside resident and former journalist has joined the race to become the next New York City Comptroller, the city’s chief financial officer who oversees the city’s spending.
Caruso-Cabrera, a Democrat, entered the political spotlight when she waged a campaign last year against Ocasio-Cortez for the 14th Congressional District that covers most of western Queens and portions of the Bronx.
She positioned herself as a moderate but was comprehensively beaten by Ocasio-Cortez in the June primary.
Now, Caruso-Cabrera is taking a shot for a citywide position, looking to replace the term-limited Scott Stringer.
Caruso-Cabrera, a former anchor on CNBC, emphasized her past experience in financial reporting, as well as her position on the board of directors of a financial services company.
She said her focus, if elected, would be on helping underserved communities.
“I have been on the ground since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, and seen firsthand how New York City’s most underserved communities have been hit the hardest,” she said. “I am running for Comptroller to do something about it once and for all.”
I am running in the Democratic Primary for NYC Comptroller! Check out my launch video: https://t.co/f5muRNTLtb
— Michelle Caruso-Cabrera (@MCaruso_Cabrera) January 28, 2021
The comptroller has several duties, including conducting audits of all city agencies and managing the city’s five public pension funds.
The next comptroller will take office at a time when the city is experiencing a budget shortfall and the economy is struggling.
Caruso-Cabrera said she will help New Yorkers and local businesses bounce back.
“I have spent my career asking the tough questions and investigating where the money is being spent,” she said. “In crisis after crisis that I have covered as a reporter, it has been the most underserved communities that have been left behind by politicians with vested interests. We cannot let that continue to happen here in New York City.”
Other candidates running for comptroller include State Sen. Brian Benjamin; Zachary Iscol, a former marine; Council Member Brad Lander; Terri Liftin, chief compliance officer at a private investment firm; State Sen. Kevin Parker; Reshma Patel, a Manhattan Community Board 6 member; and Queens Assembly Member David Weprin, according to the NYC Campaign Finance Board.
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