On The Campaign Trail, Andrew Yang Tries To Live Up To The Hype arrow Andrew Yang on the campaign trail, May 2021. Brigid Bergin / Gothamist When Andrew Yang jumped into the Democratic race for New York City mayor he became an immediate frontrunner, buoyed by name recognition from his presidential bid and his more than one million followers on social media. Now, with less than a month before the primary, New Yorkers — and not just journalists — are asking tough questions, checking if this celebrity candidate has what it takes to lead the city. On the corner of St. Nicholas Avenue and 125th Street in Harlem last Thursday, Yang greeted voters, dressed in his dark blue suit with light blue open-collar shirt. In the warmer weather, he has ditched the signature scarf, and that’s not all that’s changing.