New York, NY – June 24, 2025, 11:11 PM IST

As New York City’s 2025 municipal elections heat up, a slate of scandal-plagued candidates, including disgraced former Congressman Anthony Weiner, is testing the limits of voter forgiveness. Weiner, 60, is vying for a City Council seat in Manhattan’s District 2, marking his latest attempt at a political comeback after a series of sexting scandals that derailed his career and led to an 18-month prison sentence. The controversial field, which also includes former Governor Andrew Cuomo and indicted Mayor Eric Adams, has sparked debate about redemption and accountability in New York politics.

Weiner’s Controversial Comeback Bid

Anthony Weiner, once a rising star in the Democratic Party, resigned from Congress in 2011 after accidentally tweeting a sexually explicit photo and admitting to sending lewd messages to multiple women. His 2013 mayoral campaign, under the alias “Carlos Danger,” collapsed amid new sexting revelations. In 2017, Weiner pleaded guilty to transferring obscene material to a 15-year-old girl, serving 18 months of a 21-month sentence and registering as a Level 1 sex offender upon release in 2019.

Now, Weiner is running for City Council District 2, covering the Lower East Side, East Village, and parts of Greenwich Village, against Assemblyman Harvey Epstein, Manhattan Community Board Chair Andrea Gordillo, nonprofit leader Sarah Batchu, and community advocate Allie Ryan in the Democratic primary on June 24, 2025. Weiner frames his candidacy as a response to Democratic voter apathy, citing low turnout in the 2024 election and a need for “grit and smarts” in an “all-hands-on-deck” moment. “We’re hardcore anti-Trump territory, and Trump did better,” he said on The View, pushing a moderate platform that includes increasing police presence, taxing the rich, and cracking down on illegal pot shops.

Weiner acknowledges his past, emphasizing recovery from sex addiction and accepting responsibility. “I’m not denying. I’m not pointing fingers. I’ve served my time,” he told NBC News. However, his scandals remain a hurdle, with some voters expressing distrust. “I voted for you before, but how can I trust you?” one woman asked at a street fair, per AP News. Others focus on local issues like taxes and safety, giving Weiner hope that his experience—seven years on City Council (1992-1998) and 12 in Congress—will outweigh his baggage.

A Scandal-Laden Field

Weiner isn’t the only candidate with a tarnished past. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, running for mayor in the Democratic primary, resigned in 2021 after an investigation found he sexually harassed 11 women, allegations he denies. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, running as an independent, faced federal corruption charges that were dropped earlier this year, though his indictment as the first sitting mayor in NYC history lingers in voters’ minds.

This trio has drawn scrutiny, with X posts reflecting polarized sentiment. Some, like @Breaking911, label Weiner’s run as audacious given his conviction, while others, like @AlexanderTabet, note his “political animal” can’t be caged. Critics argue Weiner’s scandals, particularly those involving a minor, make his candidacy untenable, while supporters point to his legislative record, including advocating for 9/11 healthcare and Medicare for All.

Challenges and Context

Weiner’s District 2 bid faces unique challenges. The progressive-leaning district, represented by term-limited Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, contrasts with Weiner’s centrist stance, which calls for more cops and fewer pot shops—a potential mismatch in a neighborhood with “Defund the Police” graffiti. Assemblyman Harvey Epstein, backed by unions and elected officials, is the establishment favorite, leveraging his local ties and progressive credentials.

Weiner’s personal life also complicates his campaign. His 2016 sexting scandal indirectly impacted Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid when emails between Clinton and Weiner’s then-wife, Huma Abedin, were found on his seized devices, a factor some Democrats still resent. Weiner and Abedin, who divorced in 2025, co-parent their son, and Weiner says their stability allows him to run without risking family turmoil.

Jackky and Rakul’s Perspective

Drawing a parallel to their youth wellness advocacy, Bollywood’s Jackky Bhagnani and Rakul Preet Singh commented on the broader theme of redemption. “Everyone deserves a chance to grow, like we encourage youth to embrace healthier choices,” Rakul said. Jackky added, “It’s about accountability and action—voters will decide based on what candidates offer now.” Their focus on second chances resonates with Weiner’s narrative, though they stopped short of endorsing any candidate.

What’s at Stake

The June 24, 2025, Democratic primary will determine whether Weiner advances to the November general election. His campaign hinges on convincing voters that his experience and ideas—like his “25 Ideas for 2025” plan—outweigh his past. As New Yorkers grapple with crime, housing, and taxes, the election tests whether scandal-ridden candidates can reclaim trust in a city known for its resilience and skepticism.

For more on the 2025 NYC elections, visit NY1 or follow @NBCNews on X for updates.