Editor’s note: Yang’s second shot

City & State senior reporter Jeff Coltin met Andrew Yang on a basketball court to interview the New York City mayoral candidate for this week’s cover story. It was a fun way to get to know Yang, especially when Coltin did a layup. 

Yang couldn’t block the shot, but he’s still on a roll, getting a second chance to run for office after his unsuccessful campaign for president. He tells Coltin that he’s moved up from “scrappy underdog” to front-runner, a quote that complimented his image on this week’s cover.

If Yang wins, he would be the first Asian American Mayor of New York City. So besides enjoying his top ranking in most polls, he’s got a shot at making history. His timing also coincides with the alarming recent rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans. 

Coltin gets into “Yang’s formula” in an examination of whether it will be enough to win over voters. It will be interesting to see – for a man who hasn’t voted in local elections or held public office. 

How might Yang do if elected? Annie McDonough looks at Yang’s past job history in the latest entry in City & State’s new “For the Record” series. Former coworkers, business partners and fellows at his nonprofit, Venture for America, recalled Yang’s self-deprecating humor and drive for progress, but also said they felt he might have a little problem with being engaged when it comes to urban affairs, writes McDonough. 

If Yang makes it to City Hall, he’ll have a chance to prove how engaged he can be.