He also acknowledged that some candidates would view running for public advocate as a rehearsal for the 2021 mayoral campaign because it would give them exposure in a citywide race and, should they win, a higher profile as the mayor’s race approaches. Assemblyman Michael A. Blake, a Democrat, and Kirsten John Foy, an activist and a Pentecostal minister who is close to the Rev. The intense competition raised the prospect of politicians declaring their candidacy soon for an election that has not even been called. Mr. Foy said that he was actively discussing a candidacy and expected to make a decision within days. Whoever wins a special election early next year would be guaranteed of serving only until Dec. 31.

Source: New York Times September 16, 2018 15:13 UTC