New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin has established a new statewide political action committee, "New York Rising PAC," intended to bolster Democratic candidates in the upcoming November elections. This initiative has ignited speculation among political circles that Menin may be positioning herself for a future run for higher office.
The PAC was registered with the State Board of Election last week. Political insiders view the formation of the PAC as a strategic step for Menin, described as an increasingly influential New York City politician.
“Menin is redefining what it means to be an activist speaker by helping Democrats in other parts of the state and planting IOUs in the future,” a Democratic source familiar with Menin told The Post. Veteran political strategist Hank Sheinkopf commented that the PAC serves as a "making friends" mechanism. "Nothing makes better friends than writing a candidate a check from your PAC," Sheinkopf stated, noting that such contributions could yield benefits if Menin decides to pursue a role such as mayor, governor, or senator.
This development follows Menin's recent public success in opposing the Metropolitan Museum of Art's plan to honor fashion designer John Galliano, who has been accused of antisemitism. As Council Speaker, Menin has also taken a critical stance on several initiatives by Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration, including hearings on the implementation of the pied-à-terre tax and the city's response to a Legionnaires' disease outbreak. The council has also scrutinized the mayor's office for allegedly using encrypted messaging to influence social media coverage.
Menin is scheduled to speak at a fundraising event in Westchester County on September 15 for the Democratic Majority Action Committee. The event's invitation indicates she will discuss topics such as "combating extremism" and "building the broad coalitions we need to win."
Menin, whose term as Council Speaker is limited and will conclude in 2029, has stated through her spokesperson, Max Kramer, that the NY Rising PAC was created solely to support Democratic candidates in the fall elections. Sheinkopf pointed out the historical challenges faced by past City Council speakers in winning higher office, citing examples like Peter Vallone, Gifford Miller, Christine Quinn, and Corey Johnson. However, he also noted that former speaker Adrienne Adams is now the running mate for Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.
Menin's council tenure is term-limited in 2029. If she were to consider a mayoral run, Mayor Mamdani is up for re-election in 2029, and incumbent mayors have a strong record of winning re-election, with the last incumbent to lose being Democrat David Dinkins in 1993.