Bill Ackman Backs Former Hedge Funder Whitney Tilson For NYC Mayor: 'Can Help Save Us'

Former hedge fund manager Whitney Tilson is running for mayor of New York City and he picked up an endorsement from Bill Ackman, one of the most recognized voices in the world of finance.

What Happened: Tilson, who is an investor and editor at Stansberry Research, announced his run for mayor back in November, but a new video and the Ackman endorsement could bring more attention to his fight against the current mayor, Eric Adams, and other candidates.

"Our great city is headed in the wrong direction," Tilson said in the video. "It's time to fight for New York's future."

The video shows images and article headlines of higher crime in the city, unsafe subways and residents hit hard with inflation. Tilson says in the video that thriving businesses are shutting down and families are leaving as they can't afford to live there, and the neighborhoods are no longer safe.

Tilson, who raised his family in New York City, expresses his confidence in the city's comeback in the video.

"I believe our best days are still ahead."

Tilson says he will represent "all New Yorkers" as mayor and help bring safety, affordability and prosperity back to the city.

"New York City is the greatest city in the world."

Ackman shared the Tilson video and called the former hedge fund manager "the candidate to watch."

"I have known @WhitneyTilson since college. He has made a career giving back," Ackman tweeted.

Ackman said Tilson is a lifelong Democrat who is also "a smart economically rational one."

"He is pro-business, anti-waste and identity politics, and wants to make NYC great again."

Ackman said that people shouldn't want New York City to become San Francisco or Los Angeles and that Tilson can help save the city.

Read Also: Edwin Dorsey, Whitney Tilson Defend Andrew Left: ‘Positive Force For Markets And The Pioneer Of The Activist Short Movement’

Why It's Important: New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on federal charges last year and awaits a trial after pleading not guilty. Adams became the first mayor in the city’s history to be charged with federal crimes while in office.

Tilson is one of several people running in the mayoral election that will be held in November 2025. Adams is currently running for re-election, but his indictment could put another win in jeopardy.

As a former hedge fund manager and investor, Tilson is well-known to many in the finance world, but he may be less familiar with other New Yorkers. The endorsement by Ackman could help spread his platform to more people.

Tilson calls himself the only "change candidate" in the Democratic primary and also highlights that he is the only person running who isn't a career politician. Tilson also highlights his business background.

The campaign video shows Tilson's famous "60 Minutes" interview where he helped expose issues at Lumber Liquidators, a hardwood flooring company that went bankrupt in 2024.

A recent poll showed strong backing in the mayor race for former New York governor Andrew Cuomo at 32%, as reported by Politico. Cuomo has not announced his running in the election. Former city comptroller Scott Stringer received 10% of the vote with Adams getting 6%. Tilson was not listed in the poll results.

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Photo: CK Foto via Shutterstock