
Ohio Gov. John Kasich has repaid Queens Councilman Eric Ulrich for his endorsement in New York’s Republican primary in April—by encouraging supporters to donate to the term-limited local lawmaker’s as-yet unannounced bid to unseat Mayor Bill de Blasio.
The Buckeye State governor blasted an email to his backers this afternoon, telling them “it’s critical that Eric have the resources to run for mayor.” Ulrich, a moderate Republican, represents Howard Beach and parts of the Rockaways and is one of just three GOP members of the City Council.
“During my run for president, I was honored to have the support of New York City Councilman Eric Ulrich. Now Eric is strongly considering a run for mayor,” the message reads. “New York City voters believe they can do better than their current mayor, and Eric is a Republican who can actually win in New York City.”
Ulrich has yet to formally file to run against de Blasio, though he has amassed cash through a committee for unspecified office. He would face a GOP primary against real estate developer Paul Massey, and possibly also against grocery store magnate John Catsimatidis.
De Blasio, though beleaguered by scandals and anemic approval ratings, would prove a daunting opponent in a general election thanks to his sizable war chest, Rolodex of union endorsements and an overwhelmingly Democratic electorate. It is still unclear whether he will have to beat back a challenge in his own party’s primary.
Kasich praised Ulrich as a strong fiscal conservative with law-and-order bona fides. Both Republicans refused to endorse President-elect Donald Trump after he secured their party’s presidential nomination.

“Eric is a strong supporter of the NYPD, charter schools and champions the pro-growth policies that lead to job creation for middle and working class families,” the email says. “Eric has been a strong leader and it’s critical that we do all we can to support Republicans like Eric who can win in New York City.”
Ulrich’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The councilman hosted the governor at a pizzeria in Howard Beach in March, where the Ohio pol committed the notable faux pas of eating a slice with a fork.
Days later, at a town hall in Brooklyn, Kasich jokingly called on another of his New York City-based supporters to challenge de Blasio: veterans advocate and retired talk show host Montel Williams.
Read the full text of the message below:
During my run for President, I was honored to have the support of New York City Councilman Eric Ulrich. Now Eric is strongly considering a run for Mayor.
New York City voters believe they can do better than their current Mayor, and Eric is a Republican who can actually win in New York City.
Currently, Eric is one of only three Republicans on the 51-member City Council! He is an important voice for our party. It’s critical that Eric have the resources to run for Mayor.
Will you consider joining me in making a generous contribution to help put Eric in the best position should he chose to run?
Eric is a strong supporter of the NYPD, charter schools and champions the pro-growth policies that lead to job creation for middle and working class families.
Eric has been a strong leader and it’s critical that we do all we can to support Republicans like Eric who can win in New York City. Please consider chipping in right now to help.
Thank you.
-John
Disclosure: Donald Trump is the father-in-law of Jared Kushner, the publisher of Observer Media.