Ex-NYC Council Members Want Another Shot—But Will Voters Bite?
Let’s Talk About Political Second Chances
New York City politics? Never boring. But this year’s primaries are something else—we’ve got disgraced politicians lining up for comebacks like it’s 1999. Anthony Weiner (yep, that guy), plus former Council members Andy King and Ruben Wills, all betting big that voters have short memories. Thing is, New Yorkers never forget. So what makes these guys think they’ve got a shot?
The Unlikely Comeback Crew
Anthony Weiner: From ‘Carlos Danger’ to Council Candidate?
Remember when Weiner was the golden boy of New York politics? Congressman, mayoral contender—then boom, sexting scandals turned him into a late-night joke. Now he’s back, running in District 2. And get this—some people are actually listening. “He’s suffered enough,” one East Village voter told me. Others? They’re still cringing at the memory of those leaked photos.
Andy King: The Bronx Fighter Who Won’t Stay Down
King got booted from the Council in 2020—harassment claims, misused funds, the whole messy deal. But here’s the thing: in his old Bronx district, some folks still swear by him. “Andy delivered for us,” a local bodega owner said. Problem is, ethics violations stick like gum on hot pavement.
Ruben Wills: Doing Time, Then Running Again
Wills actually went to prison—fraud, grand larceny, the works. Now he’s pitching himself as the redemption story. “People deserve second chances,” he keeps saying. But let’s be real: convincing voters you’ve changed after stealing their money? That’s a tough sell.
Why Bother Running Again?
Okay, let’s break this down. On one hand, ego—nobody likes ending their career in disgrace. But there’s strategy too: their districts don’t have strong incumbents right now. Open seats mean opportunity. Still, the big question isn’t whether they can run—it’s whether anyone will actually vote for them.
What’s Working Against Them
Google Never Forgets
Opponents are already running ads with their scandal headlines. Because in 2023? Your past is always one search away.
Progressive Voters Don’t Play That
NYC’s moved left since these guys were last in office. Today’s voters care about clean records—not old-school political muscle.
The Media Circus
Every speech, every interview—you know reporters are just waiting for them to slip up. And Twitter? Forget about it. One wrong move and it’s trending for all the wrong reasons.
Could They Actually Win?
Why They Might
Name recognition counts for something. And let’s face it—in local politics, sometimes voters care more about who gets their trash picked up than someone’s messy past.
Why They Probably Won’t
People are tired of drama. Fresh faces with clean slates look real good compared to guys dragging baggage into office.
What History Tells Us
Marion Barry came back after prison—became D.C.’s mayor again. Eliot Spitzer won as comptroller. But for every Barry, there’s a dozen failed comebacks. The difference? Whether voters felt personally betrayed, or just politically disappointed.
Bottom Line
Here’s the thing about political redemption—it’s not about what the candidate deserves. It’s about whether voters feel like giving it. These guys? They’re testing how forgiving New Yorkers can be. My guess? The city’s got a long memory—and low tolerance for repeat offenders.
Source: NY Post – US News
