State Senator Kevin Parker, who previously toyed with the idea of running for Brooklyn Borough President, is now pivoting his focus to launch a campaign for New York City Comptroller, according to recent reports.
The New York City Campaign Finance Board shows that Parker has formed a campaign committee specifically for the Comptroller position, steering away from the Borough President race. Notably, this campaign committee’s account has only been active for less than a month, and no public matching funds have been distributed so far.
Earlier this month, Parker told Politico that he was still evaluating his options after setting up the campaign committee. “I’m considering it,” he said. “The political landscape is constantly changing between now and the primary. At this moment, I have no intention of challenging the incumbent Borough President, but that could change.”
Analysts suggest that a run for Comptroller could provide a more straightforward path for Parker, as he wouldn’t be up against sitting officeholders. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso had once eyed the Comptroller role to fill the vacancy left by Brad Lander, who is campaigning for mayor, but has since decided to run for re-election.
Still, if Parker opts to pursue the Comptroller position, he will face significant hurdles. He previously ran for the office in 2021, finishing sixth in the Democratic primary. Next year, he will contend with several high-profile candidates, including Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, State Assembly member Jenifer Rajkumar, and City Council member Justin Brannan.
With over 20 years of experience in the state Senate, Parker has faced controversy on several occasions, particularly due to his temperament. Last year, he was accused of raping a woman in 2004, allegations he has firmly denied, asserting that he does not know the accuser. Currently, he serves as the chair of the state Senate’s Energy and Telecommunications Committee.
