Retired NYPD Chief of Department John Chell has announced his candidacy for New York City mayor in 2029, vowing to bolster public safety by increasing police pay and departmental size.
Chell, who served for 30 years and was the highest-ranking uniformed officer until his retirement last year, stated his intention to make the NYPD the highest-paid law enforcement agency in the United States. He also aims to increase the number of police officers to approximately 40,000, a significant rise from the current figure of around 35,000.
Announcing his bid in an April video on X, Chell, an Independent candidate, has placed public safety at the forefront of his agenda. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining officers' physical fitness, proposing regular physical testing for all ranks, including those in higher positions.
Beyond law enforcement, Chell has articulated opposition to policies such as Mayor Zohran Mamdani's pied-à-terre tax, which he described as pandering. His platform also includes commitments to reducing waste in city government and addressing issues within the city's public housing.
Chell, who grew up in Brooklyn and currently resides in Staten Island, highlighted a less-publicized community-focused aspect of his career, recalling his involvement in activities like Easter Egg hunts and coloring book contests for children during his leadership of Brooklyn's 75th and 79th precincts. He expressed a desire for this community engagement to be recognized alongside his reputation as a tough-talking officer.
Reflecting on his electoral prospects, Chell drew a parallel to Mamdani's own come-from-behind victory, positioning himself as a potential "wild card" who will not adhere to strict party lines. He stated, "I’m not going to subscribe to the cultural norms of any party that tells me I have to act a certain way. I’m part of this village."