New York: Raj Goyle, a CEO, attorney, and former legislator—kicked off his campaign on Thursday for the Democratic nomination to become New York State’s next Comptroller. Goyle is running on a new vision for the office, which for too long has been out of sight, out of mind—and out of the fight that Democrats around the country are waging against Donald Trump and his MAGA movement.
In the Trump 2.0 era, it is not enough for New York’s chief financial officer to focus exclusively on bookkeeping and modest pension fund returns. Goyle will do that—and more—with New Yorkers’ precious resources. But he is also determined to broaden its scope and use the office's vast authority to tackle some of the state's most pressing issues, including affordability and protecting the most vulnerable New Yorkers from a predatory administration in Washington, D.C.
"I'm the only candidate in the race who's been both an elected official and a successful private sector CEO. I know how to manage money and fight—and win—tough battles," Goyle said. "This office doesn't need a back-office wonk or caretaker who's content to 'do no harm.' It needs a leader with the courage to use its massive powers to make life better for New Yorkers."
The New York State Comptroller is the sole trustee of the third-largest public pension fund in the country, with over $280 billion in assets. No other office in America puts that much money in one person’s hands, and Goyle is determined to use it effectively.
“This is the most powerful state executive job in America,” Goyle said. “But right now, that power is being squandered.”
"As New Yorkers struggle to afford rent, childcare, and healthcare, the current Comptroller has invested in Florida condos, Chicago real estate and said nothing as Elon Musk took a chainsaw to public workers stock. Over the last decade, he’s paid billions in fees to asset managers for lackluster returns. That’s real money with little to show for it, and it reflects the wrong priorities for New York.”
Goyle added, “The Democratic Party is at a crossroads. We're at 40-year lows in public trust because people don't know what we stand for and what we can deliver. Nothing makes my blood boil more than wasting political power and money—and this office is a perfect example of that waste. I’m going to put an end to that."
