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The race for public advocate in 2021 is relatively quiet in an otherwise noisy election season, with much of New York City’s political leadership up for grabs. That’s in part because the incumbent, Jumaane Williams, is running for re-election.
As a quick refresher, here's what a public advocate does — they operate as a human 311, a clearinghouse for residents’ concerns, and a watchdog over city agencies. They can introduce legislation but don’t have a vote in the City Council. With a small budget and staff, their power comes from the public podium; several have used the job to get elected to a higher office such as the current Attorney General Leticia James and Mayor Bill de Blasio.