Former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio poised to run for Congress, announces exploratory committee

Former Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed Wednesday he’s mulling a run for an open Congressional seat that’s drawn big interest from several politicians looking to take a step up into federal government.

De Blasio posted on Twitter that he’s “forming an Exploratory Committee for the new #NY10″ early Wednesday afternoon.

The district in its current configuration is represented by Rep. Jerrold Nadler. But the latest newly drawn Congressional district lines put the heart of Nadler’s base into what would be Rep. Carolyn Maloney’s 12th Congressional district.

Both of the veteran pols have announced they’d face off in a contest to win what would be Maloney’s district.

“Our neighborhoods need help as we recover from Covid. Our nation needs help as democracy is threatened and working people struggle. I am ready to serve to continue the fight against inequality,” de Blasio tweeted. “Today I am forming an Exploratory Committee for the new#NY10.”

Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2020. (Barry Williams/)

The new district lines have yet to be finalized, but a decision is expected Friday. The current scrambling over who’ll run for which seat — not only in the 10th district, but in other districts as well — comes after the state’s highest court threw out the redistricting map proposed by the Democratic-controlled state legislature.

Special Master Jonathan Cervas, who was tasked with crafting nonpartisan boundaries after that ruling, unveiled his preliminary draft maps on Monday.

Steuben County State Supreme Court Judge Patrick McAllister is expected to sign off on the new maps Friday. If that happens, candidates could start gathering signatures to get on the ballot this weekend.

In its current format, the new 10th district extends across Manhattan, south of 14th St., and into DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope and Borough Park in Brooklyn.

Scott Stringer (Mary Altaffer/)

Aside from de Blasio, State Sen. Brad Hoylman has also expressed his intention to run. Former city Comptroller Scott Stringer, Assembly members Robert Carroll and Jo Anne Simon confirmed they are considering runs. And the current city Comptroller Brad Lander, Councilwoman Carlina Rivera and David Yassky, a former City Council member, are also rumored to be thinking it over.

Stringer told the Daily News on Wednesday that he plans to speak with his family and friends over the next two days to reach a decision.

As of yet, he said: “I have no concrete plans.”

Simon (D-Brooklyn) said a run for her is “certainly a possibility.”

New York Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon (Hans Pennink/)

“I’m pulling the data and looking at the numbers,” she said.

Hoylman (D-Manhattan) said de Blasio’s likely foray into the race doesn’t change his calculus and that he still plans to run for the seat as long as the current district boundaries hold.

“I’m full steam ahead,” Hoylman told The News. “I’ve got the track record to be an effective legislator, which is what the job demands.”

Sen. Brad Hoylman (James Keivom/)

Former Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who was also rumored as a possible candidate, threw cold water on the idea in a text Wednesday.

“Nope,” said Johnson, who’s now working as a consultant. “I like my new life and freedom.”