Andrew Yang Wants to Be New York City's 'Evangelist and Cheerleader in Chief'

(From February 23, 2021) Andrew Yang's 2020 presidential campaign garnered zero delegates, but it propelled him and his signature idea of Universal Basic Income into the national consciousness. Now he's running for mayor of New York City—and recent polls suggest he's already a frontrunner.

Yang and his fan base—dubbed the Yang Gang—campaigned hard for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, as well as for other Democratic candidates across the country. The entrepreneur turned politician is bringing that same energy to New York. Other frontrunners include Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer. Meanwhile, Raymond McGuire, a top Wall Street executive has shown a strong ability to fundraise—raking in $5 million for his campaign as of mid-January. Maya Wiley, an academic and former lawyer in current Mayor Bill De Blasio's administration, has been endorsed by one of the city's most powerful labor unions, the SEIU 1199. Overall, the field is wide and diverse, with some 40 New Yorkers seeking to lead the city. If Yang were to win, he'd be the first Asian-American to lead the nation's largest metropolis.

Prior to entering politics, Yang led test preparation company Manhattan Prep, which was later sold to Kaplan Inc., from 2006 to 2012. He also founded and led the non-profit Venture for America in 2011, which recruited and trained top graduates to work in startups in cities around the country. Yang stepped down as CEO of the successful non-profit in 2017. The mayoral hopeful believes his combination of business savvy and recent political credentials will win over New Yorkers. (READ MORE at Newsweek)