Anthony Weiner Is Attempting Another Political Comeback. Yes, Really.

He's one of multiple scandal-plagued men seeking a second (or third or fourth) chance in the New York City Democratic primary.

Those voting in New York City’s Democratic primary on Tuesday may stumble upon a surprising, but familiar, name: disgraced former Rep. Anthony Weiner.

Weiner, a congressperson who resigned in 2011 after a sexting scandal, is attempting yet another political comeback after striking out in a New York City mayoral bid in 2013 following a second sexting scandal.

Weiner’s candidacy, which is for New York City Council, is among those this cycle that raise scrutiny on how male politicians have been able to garner second, third and fourth chances after allegations of wrongdoing or sexual misconduct. He’s one of multiple men on the ballot in this year’s New York City primary who’ve been the subject of such scandals: former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is also vying for mayor after facing allegations of sexual harassment from 13 women, which he denies.

Weiner had served a Brooklyn and Queens district in Congress for more than a decade, stepping down in 2011 after he admitted to sending a sexually explicit photo to a college student via Twitter and engaging in similarly inappropriate contact with five other women. He then attempted a comeback during a 2013 New York City mayoral run only for reports to emerge about him sexting at least one other woman after he left Congress. And in 2017, he pleaded guilty to sending a sexually explicit photo to a 15-year-old and was sentenced to 21 months in prison for transferring obscene material to a minor.

Since being released in 2019 and registering as a sex offender, Weiner has worked as a radio host and as the head of a countertop company. Last December, Weiner announced an exploratory committee for the Second District City Council seat, which covers Union Square and the Lower East Side. He’s up against candidates such as state Assemblyman Harvey Epstein, former Bill de Blasio staffer Sarah Batchu and Manhattan Community Board 3 Chair Andrea Gordillo.