Bill De Blasio Wins New York Mayoral Race

Progressive Mayor to Take New York City

After 20 years of Republican rule in New York City, a progressive candidate, Bill De Blasio, has been overwhelmingly elected as mayor. This election will have strong ramifications on a city that has seen a growing gap between the rich and the poor. 

More Emphasis on Outer Boroughs

Despite the successes of the his administration, Mayor Bloomberg was often criticized as focusing his policies only on Manhattan. De Blasio has pledged to spend more time addressing concerns in the often neglected outer boroughs of the city that have not benefited as much as Manhattan has in recent years. Queens, Staten Island, The Bronx and Brooklyn can look forward to receiving more funds and resources from the city government. De Blasio is himself a resident of Brooklyn.

Increased Early Education Funding

One of the main components of De Blasio's campaign is a pledge to increase funding for pre-kindergarten educational programs in the city. The new mayor hopes to fund this expanded program by passing higher tax rates for residents of the city whose incomes exceed $500,000. De Blasio's children are enrolled in public schools in the city and he feels that education should be a top priority of the new administration.

Addressing the Wealth Gap

Perhaps the most central political view presented by De Blasio during his campaign and since his victory is that right now New York has become a city of haves and have nots and that this should change. He recognizes many of the great changes that have happened in the city, but he feels that many lower income groups of residents have been neglected. De Blasio hopes to enact changes within the city that will lift everyone more equally and not focus only on the city's elite.