Mike Khader
By Dan Murphy
Mike Khader, former Yonkers City Council President and proud Democrat, announced on Feb. 6 his candidacy to once again serve the residents of Yonkers as City Council President.
“Over the past four years, I have watched our City Council leadership become an embarrassment and a disgrace to our city—an office that should serve the people, but has instead been used for personal gain. This cannot continue, and it’s time for change,” said Khader.
“My time away from the office has only strengthened my commitment to public service, and to putting Yonkers first. This position carries with it a deep responsibility to listen to and represent the people, ensure transparency and accountability, and provide sound, common-sense leadership to drive efficiency and progress. That is the leadership I intend to restore to Yonkers.”
During his tenure as City Council President, Khader prioritized fiscal responsibility, affordable housing, and initiatives that improved the quality of life for families throughout Yonkers. He also focused on the Yonkers Public Schools, especially ensuring better resources and opportunities for children with special needs. As a lifelong Yonkers resident, Khader is deeply passionate about public service and the well-being of his community.
Mike is a devoted husband, father of three, and a practicing attorney here in Yonkers. “I want Yonkers to be a place where our children can thrive with quality public education and safety, and where families aren’t forced to leave because of skyrocketing living costs. I am committed to working with our communities to create opportunities for jobs and prosperity for all Yonkersites, not just a select few. It’s time to restore trust in our local government. The people of Yonkers deserve nothing less, and I pledge to make their needs my top priority.”
Khader’s campaign will focus on creating a better Yonkers by fostering more equitable opportunities, improving city services, and simplifying access to them, all while ensuring City Council leadership that residents can be proud of—leadership that always puts the best interests of Yonkers first.
Before entering public service, Khader served as a counterterrorism official for the Central Intelligence Agency, where he was entrusted with a Top Secret security clearance. His experience in national security and intelligence further reinforces his commitment to protecting and serving his community.
Khader joins four other Yonkers democrats who have either announced or plan on running. They are:
-City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy. Collins-Bellamy is running for reelection.
-Council Councilwoman Tasha Diaz. Diaz announced earlier this year for Council President. She is not up for election to her council seat this year.
-Former Council President Chuck Lesnick. Lesnick, who served as Council President 12 years ago, is already planning his petition efforts and will announce shortly.
-Peter Spano. No relation to Mayor Spano, Peter Spano ran for Council President four years ago.
This will be the first time that three current or former city council presidents run against each other in the same election cycle. That is the major takeaway, and headline for Yonkers Rising this Friday.
All five candidates need to collect the required 1,000 valid signatures of Yonkers Democrats starting at the end of the month to get on the ballot for a democratic primary in June.
We also hear that Yonkers Republicans have a candidate in mind that will make the general election in November competitive.
