Mark-Viverito doesn't rule out 2017 mayoral bid

New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito would not rule out running for mayor of New York City in 2017, even though a foray into the race would likely pit her against her long-time ally, Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“Look, you don’t say no to anything because you don’t know what happens,” Mark-Viverito said when asked about a potential mayoral bid during a public Newsmakers interview with City & State this morning. “I’m not saying that I am. That’s not a plan for me. But, you know, that’s just being someone that is always trying to be ready and anticipate. You always want to be ready for any circumstance that arises.”

Mark-Viverito, who is term-limited out of the City Council in 2017, did not mention de Blasio during the discussion. 

Asked after the public Q&A to clarify her remarks on a potential mayoral bid, she added, "You don’t say never in situations, because you never know what situations are going to be. I’m being a person that is extremely prepared. I’m raising money, and I’m involved, and that’s as far as I’m going to go."  

She also described running for governor of her native Puerto Rico as “an option that’s out there in the universe.” The speaker said she often discusses the U.S. territory because she has deep ties to it and feels her public office provides her with a platform to advocate for it.

“We have an active presence on the island. When I go, I get interviewed; I get asked for my opinion,” she said. “I know that people are interested in hearing what I have to say, so, whatever ways I can contribute - that again would be an option that’s out there in the universe.”

More broadly, Mark-Viverito suggested she has not made much progress on planning for her career post-2017. When asked what jobs outside public office she may be interested in, Mark-Viverito emphasized that “all options” are on the table by sweeping her arm from one side of her body to the other.  

“I could see myself in many different roles,” she said. “Historically, I don’t go for the private sector. I’ve always been either in the nonprofit world or in the labor movement. So I think being able to contribute positively to New York City one way or another is something that really is of interest to me…. what path that takes, I’m not sure.”