Eight mayoral candidates in the upcoming democratic primary took the stage at Cooper Union for a forum oEight mayoral candidates in the upcoming democratic primary took the stage at Cooper Union for a forum hosted by the New York Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP New York State Conference on Monday, June 2.
“The approaching mayoral election will be a pivotal moment for the city of New York, offering voters an opportunity to shape this great city into a more inclusive and representative home for all,” said NAACP New York State Conference president L. Joy Williams in a statement. “Marking the second election in which voters are ranking candidates, ranked choice voting empowers New Yorkers to express their true voice, ensuring that the elected mayor has broad support across our communities.
“At NAACPNYS, we are focused on educating Black New Yorkers on this new system, ensuring that they are voting for the vision they have for New York City.”
Frontrunner Andrew Cuomo did not show, but his main competition overwhelmingly attended and agreed on supporting gender-affirming care at NYC Health + Hospital facilities, standing up to President Donald Trump and fighting federal immigration enforcement in the city. All candidates on the ballot were invited. Veteran reporter Ben Max moderated the event, replacing the AmNews’ own Christina Greer after the event was rescheduled from last month.
Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and ex-Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer all participated. They are ranked second, third and fourth respectively after the ex-New York Governor Cuomo in Emerson College’s recent democratic primary poll. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, state senators Zellnor Myrie and Jessica Ramos, Dr. Selma Bartholomew and ex-Democratic National Committee vice chair Michael Blake rounded out the field.
Whether due to propriety or ranked choice voting, the candidates did not take shots at each other and were in general agreement across issues.
Some of the candidates told the AmNews that a conversation on civil rights is particularly pressing under the Trump administration and as the city faces public safety concerns despite reductions in crime and gun violence.
“People are terrified in this moment,” said Myrie after the event. “New York City residents are watching a federal administration that has zero respect for the Constitution [and] has used New York City as a stage to execute some of its worst instincts. And as we’re discussing civil rights, I think it is paramount. But if you’re going to ask people for your vote, you’re going to tell them what you’re going to do.”
“We can have public safety but we can also have civil liberties,” said Stringer. “Police are about protecting everybody no matter what your background is.”
Voters must register by June 14 to vote in the 2025 primary.