This article is adapted from our Jan. 30 edition of RANKED CHOICES, THE CITY’s weekly election newsletter. Click here to sign up.
Dear New Yorkers,
Hello and welcome to the first edition of RANKED CHOICES, THE CITY’s weekly election newsletter! I’m excited to take you all along as we embark on covering local elections in 2025, when so many significant seats are up for grabs.
Among them: the mayor. It’s been a weird week for Mayor Eric Adams, who kept a low profile while his team said he “hasn’t been feeling his best.” He made public appearances Thursday after allegedly working from Gracie Mansion earlier.
What happens with Adams’ personal life — including his health and criminal trial — will obviously affect the primary set for June 24. (Early voting runs from June 14 to 22.)
Many would-be challengers — including, perhaps, former governor Andrew Cuomo — have hinted they won’t run unless Adams is out of the race. And don’t forget: The mayor’s federal trial is scheduled to start April 21, weeks before the primary — although The New York Times reported yesterday that the Justice Department was in talks to drop his case.
That’s one of the many, many storylines we’ll be following as we trot toward June. But before all that, let’s get up to speed on the basics:
Here’s the essentials to know about voting in 2025. Here’s a rundown on who’s challenging Adams for his job. And if you want to vote in the June primary, make sure you’re registered with a party — before the Feb. 14 deadline.
We’re also planning to interview most of the Democratic primary candidates on our podcast, FAQ NYC. Our first sitdown was with Scott Stringer, who’s giving the mayor’s race another shot after falling short in 2021.
Voters, this newsletter is for you. We want to hear from you all as we move through election season, so let us know what issues matter the most to you, and any questions you may have. Send a message to ask@thecity.nyc!
— Katie Honan and THE CITY’s election team
What We’re Reading …
Queens Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar dropped out of the city comptroller race to battle Public Advocate Jumaane Williams for his seat.Staten Island City Council member and minority leader Joe Borelli announced he’ll step down this week for a job as a lobbyist, which triggers a special election. The tiny Republican minority in the City Council is now fighting over who gets his leadership role. Former Brooklyn Democratic party boss Frank Seddio is now a Board of Elections commissioner.
What’s Ahead …
Days until the June primary: 145
Feb. 14: Deadline to choose parties before the primary. Pick your party before it’s too late!
Your Election Questions, Answered
Anthony R. asks: Does your newsletter explain how ranked choice works? I still don’t really understand it, I just nod along.
Answer: I’ve been there. It took me a while to fully understand RCV, and thankfully my colleague Rachel Holliday Smith has written and updated this handy guide and also answered many questions about the system.
A few quick things to keep in mind: 1) Ranked choice is only used in municipal primary elections, so not for district attorney, which is a state office. 2) You can pick up to five candidates, but you don’t have to use all those spots. You can rank one, two, three or four people. 3) Do not rank any candidate who you do not like!
Carol H. asks: Who is running for mayor on the Republican or Conservative Party?
Answer: Here are the people we know are running so far based on what they’ve said and how they are fundraising. But bear in mind: We will not have an official roster for many weeks — after candidates petition to get on the ballot. Here’s our guide on that process.
THE CAMPAIGN KICKER: There are lots of rumors flying around City Hall. Councilmember Justin Brannan, who’s also running for comptroller, had fun with them this week.
Have a question for our election team? Send your questions to ask@thecity.nyc.
Our nonprofit newsroom relies on donations from readers to sustain our local reporting and keep it free for all New Yorkers. Donate to THE CITY today.
The post Prepping for NYC Election Season, Your Party-Pick Deadline and the Mayor’s Weird Week appeared first on THE CITY – NYC News.
