Cynthia Nixon Called An 'Unqualified Lesbian' After Declaring Run For Governor By Christine Quinn
Christine Quinn, former city council speaker, slams actress Cynthia Nixon for her bid to run as the next governor of New York.
Last Monday, the Sex and the City star announced her intention to challenge Gov. Andrew Cuomo for the position in a primary. The decision was met with immediate support from her former costars, but Quinn is definitely not in her corner.
She's An 'Unqualified Lesbian,' Says Christine Quinn
In an interview with the New York Post, the fellow Democrat and former mayoral candidate described the move as "a flight of fancy" on Nixon's part.
"Cynthia Nixon was opposed to having a qualified lesbian become mayor of New York City," Quinn pointed out, referencing her own bid for mayor in 2013, when Nixon opted to back rival Bill de Blasio instead. "Now she wants an unqualified lesbian to be the governor of New York. You have to be qualified and have experience. She isn't qualified to be the governor."
While she acknowledged the actress's support for political causes, Quinn explains that it takes more than that to hold a position in office.
"But she's never run an organization," she continues. "Being an actress and celebrity doesn't make you qualified for public office. This is a time to move away from celebrity and toward progressive leadership."
Quinn is also a vocal supporter of Cuomo, who is on his second term as governor of New York. The former city council speaker praised the governor's accomplishments and points out that the Democratic party should be focused on unity instead of primaries.
Nixon, 51, responded to the criticism by saying being a lesbian is not the issue. The actress expressed her desire to curb corruption in Albany, adding that it may be time for an Albany outsider to take charge.
Christine Quinn Clarifies Statement
Quinn also made the point to clarify her criticism, going on Twitter to explain that she did not intend to bash Nixon's sexuality and identity. According to her, it's important to encourage more LGBT individuals to pursue public office.
However, for Quinn, the Sex and the City actress is not the person for the job due to her lack of qualifications.
The real point I am trying to make is that qualifications matter and records matter. I do not believe she has the qualifications or the record. 4/4 — Christine Quinn (@chriscquinn) March 20, 2018
In a report from New York Times in 2013, Nixon explained why she chose to publicly support Quinn's rival De Blasio in the mayoral race. She was even heavily involved in the campaign process.
"I've got to say, I'm not anti-Chris Quinn," Nixon says back then. "I worked alongside her in the marriage fight, and I believe she was incredibly eloquent and incredibly effective. But apart from that particular gay issue, I don't see a lot of stuff where I line up with her."
