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In an email to supporters, Garodnick said New Yorkers have to be focused on finding ways to make city government as productive as possible without distractions.

In a video message posted online Garodnick said, "We have some very difficult budgetary challenges coming down the pike. New Yorkers need an independent voice that they can trust in the comptroller's office."

The Manhattan Democrat is the first candidate to announce a run for City Comptroller in 2013.

Before elected to the City Council in 2005, Garodnick worked as a securities litigator.

Speaking to NY1, he says while he likes Comptroller Liu personally, it is time for a change.

"This office needs a reset," Garodnick said. "There is a cloud over the office today and the unfortunate result is that important changes are not getting done, like the overhaul of the pension systems. Or the fact that all of the audits that are being done are now being viewed exclusively in a political lens. New York taxpayers deserve better and I want to give them an alternative."

Garodnick has already raised more than $1 million for his campaign, and said Democratic officials and other political players did not pressure him to stay out of the race.

Liu, a first-term incumbent, has been considered a likely candidate for mayor.

However, his political prospects have suffered in the wake of a federal investigation into his campaign fundraising efforts.

A spokesman for Liu said the comptroller wishes Garodnick well.

City Councilman Domenic Recchia is also considered a likely candidate for the job. The Brooklyn lawmaker is chairman of the council's finance committee.