NEW YORK — Democrat Scott Stringer’s mayoral campaign is unveiling a compelling TV ad portraying him as a subtle tough guy ready to lead the nation’s largest city. Stringer, who has been trailing behind Andrew Cuomo, Zohran Mamdani, and Comptroller Brad Lander in polls, is positioning himself as a different kind of leader.
Stringer’s Definition of Toughness
In the ad titled ‘Toughest,’ Stringer speaks directly to the camera while walking down a street, emphasizing that true toughness isn’t about being the loudest voice. He contrasts himself with prominent figures like Cuomo, Mayor Eric Adams, and even President Donald Trump.
Stringer’s Campaign Messaging
Stringer defines toughness as standing up to party bosses to protect rent stabilization laws, combating corruption during his tenure as comptroller, and opposing Cuomo’s harsh budget cuts. He emphasizes that toughness is about prioritizing New Yorkers’ needs above all else.
Stringer’s ad doesn’t shy away from taking shots at Trump, whom he labels as a ‘schmuck,’ vowing to keep the Republican president away from New York City’s affairs.
The Narrative of Mayoral Toughness
The concept of mayoral toughness has been a recurring theme in NYC politics, with candidates like John Lindsay likening the role to being the ‘second toughest’ after the president.
Other candidates in the race, such as Brad Lander, have also projected assertive images. Lander’s campaign commercials show him destroying Teslas in a junkyard, a nod to his criticism of Elon Musk, and engaging in boxing, signaling his readiness to fight for the city.
Stringer’s Campaign Spending and Polling Numbers
Stringer has invested nearly $1.9 million in TV ads since launching his campaign, aiming to boost his visibility and voter support. While recent polls place him behind Cuomo, Mamdani, and Lander, Stringer remains determined to make his mark in the race.
In a recent Emerson College poll, Stringer secured 9% of the vote in the first round of the ranked-choice voting system, ultimately being eliminated in the eighth round with 13.2% support.
