New York City's Democratic activists are clamoring for Hillary Clinton to take on Mayor Bill de Blasio in a primary election this year, saying she'd represent the change the city needs, The New York Post reported Friday.
"Hillary would have been the first female president," the Rev. Patrick Young, pastor of First Baptist Church in East Elmhurst, Queens, told The Post.
"She would be the first woman mayor in the history of New York City. She would be better at working with people and engaging people. She would be a breath of fresh air. We have a cloud over our leadership right now."
Teamsters Local 237 President Gregory Floyd agreed, saying the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee and former New York senator would be the "best candidate," and he would support her bid "because we need a change in New York City."
Their comments come on the heels of an exclusive from Newsmax chief political columnist and White House correspondent John Gizzi, who reported on Wednesday that the ex-secretary state is being courted by Democratic donors and leaders to run in this year's primary against de Blasio.
Clinton advisors are reportedly urging her to stay close in the event she wants to try another run for the White House in 2020, Gizzi reported, but many of her closest allies say that likely won't happen.
De Blasio and Clinton were close in the past, and he served as her campaign manager when she first ran for her Senate seat in 2000. However, he hesitated to endorse her presidential bid until late in the Democratic race, something many of her supporters haven't forgotten.
"Trust me, people don't forget," a Clinton Democratic National Committee delegate from New York told The Post, saying her allies are talking about her challenging de Blasio to "torture" the mayor for delaying his endorsement.
Floyd, whose local represents Housing Authority workers and school safety officers, has often clashed with City Hall and told The Post he believes Clinton would be a better mayor.
"Every week we hear about investigations about fund-raising and city property being given away to real estate developers," Floyd said of Clinton, who took 79 percent in New York City's five boroughs in the November presidential election.
The Rev. Johnny Green, pastor of Harlem’s Mount Neboh Baptist Church, also said he'd back Clinton over de Blasio, who he called a "repeat offender when it comes to stupidity."
Another de Blasio critic, ex-campaign manager for former Mayor Mike Bloomberg, said de Blasio would have to "drop out if she ran."
Clinton's camp hasn't ruled out a bid for the mayor's seat, Newsmax reported on Wednesday, and a source for the former first lady told The Post she does not want to discourage backers from discussing her seeking the win, as she "wants to remain relevant."
Newsmax reports there are several other Democrats who could also seek a win over de Blasio, including New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., and outgoing Office of Management and Budget Director Shaun Donovan.
Bo Dietl, a private eye and supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, is also reportedly considering a bid for the Democratic race.
On the Republican side, billionaire John Catsimatidis is also considering running again, after his loss in 2013.
Related Stories:
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.