Public Advocate Jumaane Williams Announces Run For NY Governor

NEW YORK, NY — New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams has officially announced a bid for New York governor, offering a progressive option in the crowded gubernatorial race.

Williams, who announced his run on Tuesday, positioned himself as an activist and leader of the progressive movement, featuring clips in a new campaign video of himself marching in protests against police brutality and deportation.

"Right now, our state needs to move forward from a pandemic, from an era of scandal and from old ways of governing that have failed so many for so long," he said. "...There is a movement building in New York — a courageous, progressive movement which challenges the power and restores that power to the people — a movement I’m proud to be a part of."

Tuesday's announcement comes after speculation that Williams, who previously served in City Council for Brooklyn's 45th District, would join the race to lead New York.

He will join fellow Brooklynite Attorney General Letitia James — who led the sexual harassment investigation that led to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's resignation — and current Gov. Kathy Hochul on the ticket. Mayor Bill de Blasio is also rumored to have plans to join the race.

A first-generation immigrant from Grenada, Williams has served as public advocate since 2019. He previously held his position in City Council, which extends over Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, Kensington, for a decade.