New York City Comptroller John Liu formally entered the open-seat race for mayor on Sunday, saying economic disparity has left many behind.
"Economic justice and economic opportunity in this city has gone the way of checkered cabs and 50-cent slices," Liu told supporters on the steps of City Hall.
Liu, a Democrat, is looking to become the city's first Asian-American mayor. He was born in Taiwan and came to the United States as a youth.
His election as comptroller in 2009 made him the first Asian-American elected to citywide office. From 2002 to 2009 he served as a councilman from Queens borough.
Term limits will keep 12-year incumbent Michael Bloomberg from seeking re-election.
Liu's campaign has been overshadowed by fundraising conspiracy charges against two former aides, both of which have pleaded not guilty. Liu has not been charged.
Other Democrats in the race are City Council President Christine Quinn, former city comptroller William Thompson and public advocate Bill DeBlasio. Joseph Lhota, the former chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, has announced on the Republican side.
