Liberal activist and famed actress Cynthia Nixon raised eyebrows with several moves recently as speculation mounts that she will challenge Governor Andrew Cuomo in the 2018 Democratic Primary for Governor.
While the “Sex in the City” star has maintained that she has made no definite decision, she and her inner circle have been laying the groundwork for what many people in an impending declaration.
Nixon’s publicist released a statement saying “Many concerned New Yorkers have been encouraging Cynthia to run for office, We will continue to explore it. If and when such a decision is made, Cynthia will be sure to make her plans public.”
Nixon has reportedly spoken at length with Rebecca Katz and Bill Hyers, two members of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s campaign for mayor, and they are expected to play a role in a potential candidacy. This, and de Blasio’s previous ties with Nixon, has led many to believe that de Blasio is urging her to run against Cuomo, his political rival with whom he clashes often.
Asked about Nixon, the mayor denied any insider knowledge, saying “I’m not involved, I don’t know what she is going to do,”
Nixon was also seen with a film crew on the streets of Manhattan filming what appears to be a campaign ad. Matt McLaughlin, another de Blasio veteran was in attendance on the film set.
Furthering speculation of a possible run, Nixon’s wife, Christine Marinoni, resigned on Tuesday from her longtime job at the Department of Education, possibly in preparation for a statewide campaign. Marinoni made $129,876 for the gig as the DOE’s special adviser for community partnerships.
During the de Blasio Administration, the central DOE headquarters have been a major arm of patronage jobs.
If Nixon is thus far funding using her own money, she does not need to register with the Board of Elections.
Asked about a potential Nixon candidacy, Cuomo simply said “people who may or may not run for governor on both sides of the aisle, that’s up to them.”
The governor faced a progressive primary challenger in 2014 from Zephyr Teachout, a Fordham law professor, who received 34% of the vote.
Cuomo’s number two, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, is facing a liberal primary challenger of her own from City Council Member Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood), who announced his candidacy last month.
The Democratic Primary will take place on September 13.
