Andrew Yang on His 2021 New York Mayoral Loss (Part 6)

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Andrew Yang, who ran as a frontrunner in the 2021 New York mayoral race but finished fourth, attributes his loss to timing and voter priorities amid the pandemic. “Eric Adams became mayor because New Yorkers were primarily concerned with public safety—the subway, the streets,” Yang said. Despite receiving the police unions' endorsement, Yang’s pro-business, entrepreneur-focused platform didn’t align with the city’s pressing worries about crime.

On current Mayor Eric Adams, Yang acknowledges his hardworking and earnest approach but warns of challenges posed by anti-business sentiments within his administration. Yang criticized Adams’ social media call-out of billionaire Ken Griffin, a move that may have prompted Griffin’s financial shift out of New York, harming the city’s business environment.

Yang emphasizes the delicate balance New York needs to maintain: a thriving business community is essential for the city's sustainability, safety, and economic growth—even as some entrepreneurs relocate for lower costs. Despite this, Yang remains committed to New York, basing his family and businesses here while navigating these complexities.