Cynthia Nixon, best known for playing Miranda Hobbes on Sex and the City, announced to that she will run for governor of New York. She will challenge Democratic incumbent Andrew Cuomo, who is reportedly hoping to run for president in 2020.
The actor had been rumored to be eyeing a run for some time now, and began conversations with Democratic strategists Bill Hyers and Rebecca Katz, both former advisers to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. Nixon’s wife, Christine Marinoni, recently stepped down from her position in the de Blasio administration.
Nixon represents a serious challenge, from the progressive wing of the party, to Gov. Cuomo’s reelection efforts, in spite of his attempts to brush off her candidacy. Four years ago, he was challenged by relative unknown Zephyr Teachout, who managed to win 34 percent of the primary vote. Nixon’s name recognition alone means she stands a good shot at unseating him.
If she wins, Nixon, who has had relationships with both men and women, will be the first openly LGBTQ governor of the state.
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She announced her candidacy today through a video message.
“New York is where I was raised, and where I’m raising my kids,” Nixon says in voice over. “I’m a proud public school graduate, and a prouder public school parent. I was given chances I just don’t see for most of New York’s kids these days.”
“Our leaders are letting us down,” she continues. “We are now the most unequal state in the entire country, with both incredible wealth and extreme poverty. Half the kids in upstate cities live below the poverty line. How did we let this happen?”
“I love New York. I’ve never wanted to live anywhere else, but something has to change. We want our government to work again, on healthcare, ending mass incarceration, fixing out broken subway. We are sick of politicians who care more about headlines and power than they do about us,” she adds.
It ends on a clever note, showing Nixon on the train, as the announcer says, “Next stop, Albany” (the state’s capital).
Watch below:
I love New York, and today I'm announcing my candidacy for governor. Join us: https://t.co/9DwsxWW8xX pic.twitter.com/kYTvx6GZiD
— Cynthia Nixon (@CynthiaNixon) March 19, 2018
Celebrity endorsements are already coming into play in the race.
Nixon has the backing of friend Rosie O’Donnell.
CYNTHIA NIXON FOR GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK ! #myFULLsupport – she is one of kind – brilliant – brave bold and so smart – a true leader #NIXON4NY pic.twitter.com/5hSeCDzzer
— ROSIE (@Rosie) March 19, 2018
Elton John, on the other hand, has come out in support of Cuomo.
“We will never forget his incredible leadership on marriage equality and everything he has done to champion gay rights,” he and husband David Furnish said in a statement. “For these important reasons, we stand with and in support of Governor Andrew Cuomo as he announces his candidacy for re-election for Governor of the state of New York.”