Anthony Weiner running for NYC mayor

Weiner, a Democrat, enters the primary season for the nomination and will face off against the city's council speaker, its current comptroller, its former comptroller and its public advocate.

For more than a week, amid news reports that Weiner, 48, had hired political aides, he dodged questions by reporters about his intentions, saying as recently as late last week he would run only if he had a "path to victory." He did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment early Wednesday morning.

In the video, Weiner hinted at the sexting scandal on Twitter that drove him from office.

"Look, I made some big mistakes -- and I know I let a lot of people down. But I've also learned some tough lessons. I'm running for mayor because I've been fighting for the middle class and those struggling to make it my entire life. And I hope I get a second chance to work for you."

Weiner's campaign war chest -- with $4.2 million -- is greater than any other Democratic contender except the council speaker, Christine Quinn, who has $5.8 million, campaign finance reports show.

The campaign video begins with Weiner, his wife, Huma Abedin, and their young son at the breakfast table, the child eating strawberries. It segues into Weiner's platform, which focuses on bread-and-butter middle class issues: high rent, disappearing good jobs, public safety and overregulation.