As one of the most Democratic states in the country, New York has offered several potential candidates for their party’s nomination in 2020. However, recent developments since the midterms have dampened the chance of a New Yorker topping the Democrats’ ticket.
Perhaps the strongest candidate, Governor Andrew Cuomo, has ruled out a run. The centrist politician with strong anti-Trump rhetoric made it clear he would focus on his third term in the governor’s house rather than campaign for president.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has long been considered a contender, voting against President Trump’s administration nominees and policies in the senate and becoming a notable figure in the #MeToo movement.
However, this may be a detriment, as she played a crucial role in causing Democratic Senator Al Franken to resign following accusations of sexual assault, something that continues to upset donors and grassroots. Gillibrand also has her tenure in the House of Representatives to shake off, as she was a conservative Democrat whose record would upset progressives.
This finally leaves Michael Bloomberg, billionaire and former mayor of New York City and former Republican. He has the funds and connections in order to compete, but his fiscal conservatism and law and order record could prove to be unelectable in the 2020 Democratic primary.