Joseph Lhota, the head of the MTA, formally announced today that he is stepping down on Dec. 31 to consider a run for New York City mayor.
Lhota is a Republican who was a deputy mayor under Rudy Giuliani.
He said he is sending a letter of resignation to Gov. Cuomo today.
“It’s bittersweet, my decision to send this letter to the governor,” he said.
“Its been a privilege to serve this governor.”
Sources told the Post that Giuliani’s circle believes it can raise $10 million for him to run, a sum that would keep the race competitive.
In addition, Lhota’s wife was a top fund-raiser for Giuliani.
The MTA board today voted to make Fernando Ferrer the vice chairman, which will enable him to succeed Lhota as acting chairman at the end of the year.