Here's When NYC Will Pick A New Public Advocate

NEW YORK — New Yorkers have about two more months to pick from a crowded field of candidates for public advocate. Voters will choose a replacement for Public Advocate Letitia James — who will soon become the state attorney general — in a Feb. 26 special election, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Saturday.

"This date will help maximize voter turnout, and my Administration will work around the clock to make sure every New Yorker is encouraged to exercise their right to vote," de Blasio, a Democrat, said in a statement.

The citywide office will become vacant when James, a Democrat, takes over as the state's first black woman attorney general. James was first elected public advocate in 2013 after about a decade on the City Council.

Under the City Charter, a special election to fill the seat must take place at least 45 days after the vacancy occurs. Council Speaker Corey Johnson will serve as public advocate until the job is filled.

The race has already drawn more than a dozen candidates, among them several sitting city and state legislators, some political activists and a former Council speaker.

The nonpartisan, free-for-all special election could be the first conducted under new campaign finance rules that voters approved in November, including lower limits for individual contributions and increased public matching for small donations.

The new rules weren't supposed to take effect until the 2021 municipal primaries, but the Council passed a bill on Dec. 20 that would apply them to the upcoming special election. It's currently awaiting de Blasio's signature.

(Lead image: Attorney General-elect Letitia James is seen on Nov. 6, 2018. Photo by Andres Kudacki/Associated Press)