Jumaane Williams reelected as NYC public advocate

Progressive watchdog secures second term, aligning with Zohran Mamdani’s momentum

NEW YORK (MNTV) — Incumbent Jumaane Williams was re-elected on Tuesday to serve another term as public advocate of New York City, solidifying his standing as one of the city’s most visible progressive officials.

At 49, Williams, a longtime tenant-rights and immigrant-rights advocate, comfortably won his June Democratic primary before moving on to defeat Republican challenger Gonzalo Duran and third-party contender Martin Dolan in the general election. According to the 2025 race summary, Williams drew approximately 72.8 % of the vote city-wide.

Williams describes himself as an “activist elected official.” He first served on the New York City Council representing Brooklyn’s 45th District, where he built a reputation for tenant advocacy, aggressively taking on landlords and policing issues.

As a public advocate beginning in 2019, the office allowed him to introduce legislation, act as an ombudsman for city services, and serve on various city commissions.

Among his signature efforts: a “Worst Landlord Watchlist,” tenant-relocation protections, and tracking of police-related complaints.

Although Williams faced challengers, his path was backed by significant name recognition and a strong connection to the progressive base.

In early June, his Democratic primary opponent, Jenifer Rajkumar, sought to position herself as a more moderate alternative, arguing the city needed a public advocate capable of working across constituencies.

 Williams rejected critiques that his left-flank alignment made him ineffective, countering that the city needed someone willing to stand up to both the White House and City Hall when necessary. “The job of public advocate is sometimes having some publicly tough conversations,” he told interviewers ahead of the primary.

His campaign highlighted his readiness to defend New Yorkers against national threats—including from the Donald Trump-era federal government—and to act as a check on his sometimes-antagonistic counterpart at City Hall, Eric Adams.

Where this leaves Williams and the city

Williams’ re-election ensures his presence remains a visible part of New York’s progressive ecosystem, especially at a moment when the mayor has faced lingering questions over his administration.

In practical terms, the public advocate’s office does not wield the same executive authority as the mayor, but Williams’ second-in-line status means he remains poised as a potential successor if the mayor vacates office.

Importantly, Williams aligned himself during the campaign with Zohran Mamdani, the incoming mayor-elect, helping build bridges with older Black New Yorkers and union members—even as he pledged to hold the new administration accountable where needed.

For observers of urban governance, Williams’ re-election underscores a broader trend: city-level progressive officials consolidating power even as national politics polarize. In a megacity of 8.8 million people, the role of public advocate can serve both as a policy lever and a platform for broader ambition. Internationally, Williams’ tenure offers a case study in how activist-rooted politicians navigate institutional constraints while pushing for housing affordability, immigrant rights and policing reform in dense, highly diverse settings.

As New York continues to grapple with affordability, public-safety and service delivery pressures, Williams’ renewed mandate signals that the watchdog voice will remain loud—whether the mayor’s office welcomes it or not.

Vote breakdown (2025 general and primary)

• In the Democratic primary on June 24, Williams defeated Jenifer Rajkumar and Marty Dolan with approximately 72 % of the vote to Rajkumar’s 18 %.
• In the general election for public advocate, he received 1,352,127 votes (72.8 %) to opponent Gonzalo Duran’s 462,350 (24.9 %).

Legislative record and policy highlights

Williams has built a record of introducing and sponsoring legislation that aligns with his activist-style focus. Key points:

• As Public Advocate, Williams’ office reports that he has passed more legislation than all previous public advocates combined.
• For example:
  • In 2023, his office passed 11 bills as prime sponsor, covering matters such as public safety, housing safety, homelessness and veterans.
  • His office’s legislative agenda includes bills on foreclosures, housing, tenant protections and police-accountability reforms. For example, he pushed a bill to “expedite access to body-camera footage and report on NYPD vehicle stops.”
  • His website says he has passed “more than 100 bills and resolutions” since taking office.
• Examples of past legislation (from his time as Council member) include the “Community Safety Act” (which required bias-based policing oversight) and the “Fair Chance Act” (Ban the Box for employers).
• He has also used his office to bring attention to issues: e.g., filing an amicus brief with immigrant-rights and public-defender groups to block ICE returns to Rikers Island.