Photos and reporting by Momo Takahashi, AsAmNews Intern
New York City Mayoral candidate Andrew Yang conceded the New York City Mayor’s race tonight after coming in fourth place.
A crowd of about 150 supporters listened attentively as Yang addressed them tonight at the Green Fig Hotel on the Yotel Rooftop Bar in Hell’s Kitchen.
“I am not going to be the next mayor of New York City based on the numbers that have come in tonight,” said Yang. “I am conceding this race. Though we’re not sure ultimately who are next mayor is going to be.
The crowd listened quietly and did not react as their candidate shared his news with them. They cheered him as he left the stage in an attempt to boost his spirits.
Yang’s wife Evelyn stood by his side during his concession while some members of the crowd holding up campaign signs stood behind him.
Brooklyn Burrough President and former police officer Eric Adams came in first with 31% of the vote, followed by lawyer and civil rights activist Maya Wiley at 22% and Kathryn Garcia at 21%. Yang received just 11%.
This is the first year New York City went to rank choice voting which means voters could choose up to 5 candidates in order of preference. At the end of each round the candidate receiving the least amount of votes is eliminated until a candidate receives 50% of the vote.
It may be weeks before a winner is determined, however, rank choice voting eliminates the need for a runoff election.
“This city needs all of us to come together right now, to pull in the same direction,” said Yang. We are badly wounded. It’s why Evelyn and I decided to undertake this campaign.”
His supporters remain hopeful for the future.
“I believe that this is a bigger movement than just the campaign,” Rose said to AsAmNews tonight. “I think Andrew Yang has elevated all people to unite, not just Asians. For the Asian community, he brought us a voice and this movement is not over.”
“The Asian community has been galvanized in a way that we’ve never been before,” Rich said. “I think the next steps are engaging in community issues, and not just local but national issues.”
“I’m very optimistic for what the future holds for the Yang Gang and this humanity first movement for real change for not only New York, but for the country,” said another supporter, John.
Yang shot out of the gate as the front runner on the sheer momentum of his presidential run and name recognition. However, opponents began to chip away at his lead charging that he lacked the political experience and knowledge of New York City politics to run the city.
(Editor’s note: This story will be updated with additional information)
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