Former, now retired NYPD Chief of Department John Chell announced Sunday, April 26, that he is running for mayor in 2029. Chell retired at the end of 2025, announcing his decision in October of that year, after former New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced his decision to pull out of the race in September. Chell, who completed over three decades of service with the NYPD, had made the news in recent years for publicly clashing on social media with some reporters over crime and policing-related coverage.
In a social media post on Sunday, April 26, Chell wrote, “Good morning, NYC. I’ve been on the phone all day with friends, elected officials, and family. Yes, I’m exploring a run for mayor. Enough is enough. I have roughly a year and change to explore this endeavor and create a strategic path. I’m a registered Independent, which means to me: what’s right is right, and what’s wrong is wrong.”
In a later post on another social media platform on Monday, April 27, Chell wrote, “I’m a registered Independent—no party, no labels. Right down the middle. Call it purple if you want. To me, it’s simple: what’s right is right, and what’s wrong is wrong. I’m retired. I live a simple life. I don’t have to do this. But I love this city—and I gave nearly 32 years to it.”…