New York State Senator Jessica Ramos launches New York City mayoral campaign, joining a crowded race

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — New York State Senator Jessica Ramos officially launched her campaign for mayor of New York City on Friday morning, becoming the first woman to enter the increasingly competitive race.

After months of speculation, Ramos announced her candidacy, even though the current mayor was embroiled in a scandal that also resulted in the death of Police Commissioner Edward Caban.

In a statement Thursday responding to his resignation, Ramos questioned why Caban, the first Latino to hold the position, was the only one under pressure to leave the administration.

In her campaign announcement video released Friday morning, Ramos questioned Adams' ability to continue in the role.

“You never have to wonder who I work for or who pays me,” Ramos said in the video amid headlines about Adams. “We need to bring that trust back to City Hall.”

Ramos, 39, is a state senator from Queens. Her two sons attend public schools and her parents are from Colombia.

She would be the first female mayor and the first Latina to hold the office.

She is the fourth Democrat to challenge Adams in a primary, joining Comptroller Brad Lander, former Comptroller Scott Stringer and State Senator Zellnor Myrie, all progressives.
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