Reverend Michael Blake, a proud son of Jamaican immigrants, is in the race to become the next mayor of New York City. With a background in public service and a commitment to uplifting marginalised communities, Blake’s campaign focuses on key issues such as affordable housing, economic growth, and education. Here are eight things to know about the candidate who hopes to lead the Big Apple in 2025.
Our family went from no house in Jamaica to the Black house at Northwestern, from The White House in D.C. to the state House in Albany. Now, our job is to help everyone in your house to realize your dreams. – Rev. Michael Blake
1. A Bronx Native with Strong Jamaican Roots
Born and raised in the Bronx to Jamaican parents, Michael Blake grew up in a household that valued hard work, resilience, and community service. He often credits his upbringing for shaping his political career, instilling in him the belief that leadership should be about lifting others up, not just holding office.
2. A Seasoned Public Servant
Blake served three terms in the New York State Assembly, representing the 79th District in the Bronx. During his tenure, he focused on economic empowerment, small business support, and criminal justice reform. His work aimed at creating fairer opportunities for low-income families and underprivileged communities.
3. A Former Obama White House Official
Blake’s experience extends beyond New York politics—he was part of the Obama-Biden administration, serving as the Associate Director of Public Engagement. In this role, he worked on policies supporting minority and women-owned businesses, helping to drive economic equity initiatives at the national level.
4. A Bold Plan for Affordable Housing
One of Blake’s key campaign promises is tackling New York City’s housing crisis. He has proposed a Mitchell-Lama 2.0 programme, aimed at increasing the availability of affordable housing units and making rent and homeownership more accessible. His plan also includes removing credit score barriers that prevent many New Yorkers from securing housing.
5. Champion for Education and Youth Development
Believing that education is the gateway to opportunity, Blake has pledged to increase funding for public schools, expand higher education access for underserved communities, and fully fund universal childcare. His goal is to break generational cycles of poverty by ensuring young people have the tools to succeed.
6. Focused on Economic Growth and Fair Wages
Blake is advocating for guaranteed income programmes to support working-class New Yorkers and has pledged to raise wages, particularly for childcare and homecare workers. His economic strategy centres on supporting small businesses and making New York’s economy more inclusive.
7. A National Political Figure
Blake has played a significant role in national politics. From 2017 to 2021, he served as Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), where he worked on voter mobilisation and outreach efforts across the country. His leadership on a national stage has given him insight into policymaking at every level of government.
8. A Faith-Driven Leader
An ordained minister, Blake speaks openly about the role of faith in leadership. He believes that restoring trust and integrity in government is crucial and has positioned his mayoral run as an opportunity to bring values-based leadership to New York City.
As the 2025 mayoral race heats up, Michael Blake is making a strong case for why he should lead the city. With a track record spanning local, state, and national politics—and a deep commitment to economic justice and community empowerment—his campaign is one to watch.
Cover Photo : Gabriela Bhaskar for The New York Times
