Faulkner Moves To Comptroller Race (Updated)



The man formerly known as Republican mayoral candidate Michel Faulkner is now Republican comptroller candidate Michel Faulkner.  Faulkner, who’s been running hard for mayor, announced today that he’s changing his focus and running for comptroller.

Paul Massey has long sought to convince Faulkner to get out of the race, and Faulkner has spoken about that in some recent appearances.  In a brief phone conversation today Faulkner expressed optimism at his prospects, but declined to discuss his decision in detail.  Faulkner plans a significant media rollout of his candidacy tomorrow.  Stay with us for more.

Manhattan Republican leader Adele Malpass confirmed that she and the other Republican county leaders support Faulkner’s move.  Malpass has frequently expressed her preference for avoiding Republican primaries in the three City-wide races.  She and Faulkner both expect that Faulkner will not have a primary in the comptroller’s race.  On the mayor’s race, Malpass and the Manhattan Republican Party executive committee plan to meet on May 15th to consider backing a mayoral candidate, now selecting between Paul Massey and Nicole Malliotakis

Update – Faulkner Statement:

Michel Faulkner Announces Candidacy for NYC Comptroller

New York, NY, May 7, 2017 –Michel Faulkner, formerly a Republican candidate for Mayor of New York City, announced today his candidacy to run for NYC Comptroller against Scott Stringer.

“New York City needs new financial leadership to end the unsustainable tax-and-spend policies that are making the city unaffordable for many of our citizens and putting the Big Apple at risk of financial distress,” said Faulkner.

“I have spent the last two and a half years meeting voters and critiquing the de Blasio administration,” added Faulkner. “I now intend to run a vigorous general election campaign for Comptroller against Scott Stringer.”