On the afternoon of June 10, just after wrapping up campaign activities in Flushing, State Senator and Democratic candidate for Mayor of New York City, Zellnor Myrie, rushed to Midtown Manhattan by train and visited the media group of Epoch Times and New Tang Dynasty. Myrie expressed that he commutes using public transportation every day and enjoys being stopped by voters for a chat. He stated that his goal in running for Mayor of New York City is to be a “practical public servant.”
Zellnor Myrie, 38, a native New Yorker, is the son of Costa Rican immigrants. He graduated from the Brooklyn Technical High School and went on to receive his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Fordham University, followed by a law degree from Cornell University. Myrie worked at a prestigious law firm before running for State Senator in the 20th district of his hometown, Brooklyn, in 2019.
During the interview, Myrie mentioned his high school teacher multiple times, attributing his success to the encouragement and after-school programs provided by this teacher.
“My high school teacher, Mrs. Randolph, had great faith in me, and I will never forget her dedication,” Senator Myrie said. “My teachers and my city have always looked out for me. People have stepped up to serve me, and now I am trying to give back to them.”
Given that Myrie benefited from after-school programs himself, one of the key points in his mayoral campaign platform is to offer free after-school programs to all public school students in New York.
Myrie emphasized that he commutes on public transportation daily, enjoying interacting with citizens on the train and subway, finding it to be one of the most enjoyable aspects of his mayoral campaign journey.
As a result, Myrie deeply understands the struggles of commuters and ordinary New Yorkers. He advocates for discounted transportation fares based on income levels for eligible New Yorkers, the continuation of congestion pricing in Manhattan, the increase of police resources to pre-pandemic levels if elected mayor, the construction of one million affordable apartments, lowering food prices by supporting local farms and reducing grocery store rents.
Myrie sees himself as a “pragmatic” public servant. As a State Senator, Myrie successfully turned 65 of his proposals into laws, benefiting the community directly in areas such as affordable housing, public safety, and small business support. He aims to bring this tradition of “getting things done” to City Hall as well.
“At the end of the day, what people need is a leader who is willing to serve the public, care about the issues they care about, and fight for what matters to them,” Myrie said. “When they stop me on the streets, they don’t ask if I’m progressive, moderate, or conservative. They ask: have you done the work? So, my motto is: do in the streets what the public wants me to do, and that’s what I intend to bring to City Hall.”
Myrie quoted Fiorello Henry La Guardia, known as one of New York City’s greatest mayors, saying, “There is no Democratic or Republican way of cleaning the streets.”
“I genuinely believe that when we talk about public service, it should not be swayed by politics; it should be guided by the actual work you’ve accomplished. I hope that is the focus of public service,” Myrie stated. “Picking up trash, doing the job well—none of this has anything to do with political parties. Ultimately, it’s about serving the people, and that’s what I strive to do.”
Recently married, Myrie emphasizes the importance of family, noting that sometimes he set aside his hectic campaign schedule to spend time with his wife.
“Family is everything… In terms of policy, I want to ensure that New York City is a place where everyone can make a living… But in personal life, my family is crucial,” he said. “Because if you don’t care about what you truly believe is important, you can’t be a good public servant.”
Having been encouraged by outstanding teachers during his formative years, Myrie aims to be a leader who inspires young people. He expressed joy upon hearing that young people like seeing him wear sneakers in the council chambers, as they do.
“If someone hadn’t believed in me and said, ‘One day you’ll achieve something,’ I wouldn’t be standing here today… So, this kind of inspiration and change for young people will continue in my political career,” Myrie said.
He encourages young people to get involved in politics but advises them not to focus solely on the end goal.
“Some of you will get into politics; some will become teachers; you might become social workers, lawyers, entrepreneurs… Focus on the process,” he said. “In the journey, you will grow; in the process, you will see yourself doing things you never thought you would before—that’s how I try to inspire young people.”