New York Mayor Bill de Blasio is holding the first fundraiser of his re-election campaign.

De Blasio, a first-term Democrat, is hosting the cash bash at a Times Square hotel Thursday night.

He said early Thursday that it was the kick-off to his 2017 re-election bid.

The mayor said that the current political climate requires fundraising to begin early; in this case, a full two years before voters cast their ballots.

He said that he would proudly run on his record, which includes low crime levels, the creation of universal pre-k and an ambitious affordable housing plan.

New York City campaign finance law mandates that the maximum contribution for an individual is $4,950.

No Democrats have publicly announced a primary challenge to de Blasio.

(AP)