Uptown Councilman Launches Bid For Public Advocate

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS-INWOOD, NY — City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, who represents Upper Manhattan and chairs the body's transportation committee, is entering a crowded race to become New York City's next Public Advocate.

Rodriguez made his announcement Sunday at Washington Heights' historic United Palace Theater flanked by his family and supporters. The councilman listed school funding, expanding rent stabilization and tenants rights and helping small businesses as his policy priorities.

"I declare without hesitation that I’m launching my race with hundreds of supporters across the five boroughs to become the next New York City Public Advocate!" Rodriguez said in a social media post.

Rodriguez was first elected to the City Council in 2009 and is currently serving his third and final term after a comfortable win in the 2017 election. The Upper Manhattan councilman won 61 percent of the vote in the 2017 Democratic primary and 87 percent of the vote in the general election.

Whoever wins the special election to fill the Public Advocate seat will finish out Letitia James' term through the end of 2019. Other candidates vying for the position include former Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, City Council Members Rafael Espinal and Jumaane Williams and progressive journalist Nomiki Konst.

A date for the special election has not been set.

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