Corey Johnson Enters NYC Comptroller Race

NEW YORK CITY — A prominent New York City politician launched a run for the city's comptroller position.

City Council Speaker Corey Johnson on Tuesday announced his candidacy for the comptroller spot during a sunny event at Madison Square Park.

"I will be a strong and independent comptroller who uses all the powers of the office to kick-start New York’s recovery," he said.

Johnson, a Democrat with a wide progressive following, previously had been considered a front runner for Mayor Bill de Blasio's job at Gracie Mansion.

But Johnson exited that race in September citing concerns with his depression at time.

The comptroller spot is one of the city's most prominent elected positions. Current Comptroller Scott Stringer, who is running for mayor, often acts as a watchdog on city agencies.

It's a spot that Brad Lander, a City Council colleague of Johnson's, state senators Brian Benjamin and Kevin Parker, and multi-hyphenate nonprofit leader Zachary Iscol all hoped to snag.

Lander led the candidates in fundraising before Johnson's entry.