Bellamy was unopposed in the September primary, and her name did not appear on the ballot.[1] Manhattan Borough President Andrew Stein and his primary opponent David Dinkins both sought to tie themselves to the popular Bellamy.[2]
Bellamy, who won the presidency in an upset in the 1977 election, was broadly popular in 1981. Before even announcing her re-election bid, she stated, "I make no bones about wanting to run for Governor someday," and was critical of Governor Hugh Carey.[1]The New York Times framed her campaign as a springboard to future statewide office. Villela conceded that his campaign was "a long shot", but claimed that Bellamy should be doing more to utilize the ombudsman responsibilities of the presidency.[2]
Margaret T. Chiffriller, running on the Right to Life ticket, ran a single-issue advocacy campaign focused on opposition to abortion.[2]
