MSNBC analyst Maya Riley is considering leaving the network to run for New York City mayor. If she is successful, she will be the first Black woman to lead the Big Apple.
What We Know:
- Wiley has served as a top counsel for NYC’s current mayor, Bill de Blasio and was a chairwoman on the NYPD oversight agency. She is also a senior VP for social justice at The New School and the Henry Cohen Professor at the Milano School of International Affairs, Management and Urban Policy.
- In an interview with MSNBC’s chief analyst Ari Melber, she stated, “I have been so overwhelmed by just the amount of support and kind words and outpouring I’ve gotten as a result of these news reports. All I can say to you is, I am certainly exploring it because I’ve been extremely privileged to be asked by folks to think about it.” She adds that her biggest issue in NYC is whether they will have a bold future.
Every immigrant.
Every child
Every student.
Everyone.Be counted because we count! Complete the census today by visiting https://t.co/SNecDKfwNK.#OurPowerOurCensus pic.twitter.com/ZZEDxMvhzM
— Maya Wiley (@mayawiley) July 28, 2020
- Wiley has spoken the amount of support she has received since announcing she may be running for mayor. Mayor de Blasio’s former advisor says, “Anyone who has been in Maya’s presence knows that she is a force and I would not underestimate her.” De Blasio cannot run next year, and Wiley has called on Dermot F. Shea, de Blasio’s police commissioner to resign.
- According to the Washington Examiner, former 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang, CNN President Jeff Zucker, and Scott M. Stringer, speaker of the New York City Council are also possible candidates for mayor.
Wiley is the face of legal commentating on NBC and MSNBC and has been for the past two years. Her activism and presence at Black Lives Matter protests has made her to be a favorable candidate as protesters request for systematic change.
