6 Questions With NYC Comptroller Candidate Justin Brannan

NEW YORK CITY — City councilman and finance committee chair Justin Brannan is running for comptroller in New York City's primary election on Tuesday, June 24.

The 46-year-old Bay Ridge native was first elected to the city council in 2017, representing the 43rd district in Brooklyn. In 2024, Brannan won the 2024 general election for a redrawn 47th district.

Prior to serving as a city council member, Brannan served as Chief of Staff to City Councilman Vinnie Gentile and then helped lead Mayor de Blasio’s universal pre-K rollout at the Department of Education.

The Democratic candidate also worked at a NYC radio station, got involved in union organizing, and fought to recover unpaid wages for his coworkers. Before entering politics, Brannan also toured the world in a punk band for over a decade.

Patch recently asked Brannan six questions about his campaign. See his replies below.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following article contains information about one of several candidates who have announced their campaigns in the 2025 primary election. Patch has contacted the other candidates with the same questions and will post replies as they are received.

PATCH: Why are you running for comptroller?

BRANNAN: Because New Yorkers need a proven fighter. Someone who won’t blink when the mayor tries to slash services. Someone who won’t flinch when Trump starts swinging. Someone who can stand up and say, ‘This city isn’t working for families, that’s gotta change.’ I’ve shown I’ll go toe-to-toe when it counts, and I’m ready to keep doing that as Comptroller.

PATCH: What sets you apart from the other candidates?

BRANNAN: I’ve spent the last four years fighting with the mayor, successfully restoring over 1 billion dollars in funding for our schools, parks, libraries, and more. I know that the budget is a reflection of what this city stands for and where our true priorities lie. I believe that our priority should be making the city more affordable for working families, and I’m the only candidate in the race who has the hands-on experience with the budget to make that happen.

And unlike the other candidates, I’ve had to win and deliver in a Republican-leaning district. That means no empty slogans. I’ve had to show up, solve problems, and get results for everyone. That’s what I’ll bring to the Comptroller’s office.

PATCH: What are the key issues that you’d tackle in office? How would you tackle them?

BRANNAN: Job one is protecting and growing our public pensions. We’ll make smart, principled investments. That means divesting from companies like Tesla, where Elon Musk’s erratic behavior poses huge risks for retirees.

Second, I’ll use the power of the comptroller's office to invest in things that make life more affordable and better for people: affordable housing, universal childcare, support for our small businesses, and better, more effective city services. We can do that while still delivering strong returns for our retirees.

Third, making sure the next mayor is held accountable and that this city’s finances are protected from Donald Trump’s reckless attacks.

PATCH: How would you respond/act to the Trump administration’s threats to cut federal funding from New York City?

BRANNAN: We have to be crystal clear: Trump’s budget attacks are political, and they put real lives at risk. As Comptroller, I’d use the full power of the office to show exactly who’s getting hurt and what’s at stake. I’ll work to strengthen and make our city budget more self-reliant, so we’re not caught flat-footed when Washington plays games. And if Trump tries to mess with New York, I won’t hesitate to take him to court. I won’t back down.

PATCH: How would you handle working with/standing up to New York City’s next mayor?

BRANNAN: I’ll work with anyone who wants to improve this city and stand up to anyone who doesn’t. I’m not in anyone’s pocket. The Comptroller’s job is to be a watchdog, not a wingman. I plan to be a bulldog. I’ll fight to make sure neighborhoods in the “outer boroughs” aren’t treated like afterthoughts and that every budget decision reflects fairness, safety, and transparency.

PATCH: What’s one place in the city you frequent the most?

BRANNAN: My City Council office. That’s how I like to spend my time: untying knots for New Yorkers who need help.

Early voting started on June 14 and will continue until June 22.