2025 NYC Primary Debates. Your vote starts here.
चुनाव May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

By Sarah Schreib, Madonna Hernandez , Events Coordinator, Content Editor

The weather is warming up, which means it’s time to retire the hoodies until fall and gear up for the debates in the races for citywide offices: the most important season in New York City.

NYC Votes is hosting the debates as three city offices take center stage: Mayor, Public Advocate, and Comptroller. These offices will impact every New Yorker, which makes the debates a crucial part of your decision-making process before you get to the voting booth.  

क्या आपको पता था? The Public Advocate is NYC’s “backup mayor.” They can investigate city agencies, introduce legislation, and call out the worst landlords in the city. 

What Matters Most to New Yorkers? 

To find out what issues are top-of-mind for everyday New Yorkers, we asked dozens of community organizations across the five boroughs to rank a list of important citywide concerns. The list was built from a Quinnipiac poll, and topics were pulled directly from candidates’ platforms. 

  • New Yorkers' top-ranked concerns
    • Inflation & Affordability
    • किफायती हाउसिंग
    • Schools & Education
    • Unemployment & Quality Jobs
    • (Tied) Crisis of Homelessness & Health Care 

Rounding out the list were: Crime, Climate Change, Child Care, Immigration, Health Care, and Racial Inequity.    

Consider this: Which one of these issues affects your daily life the most? 

These Issues Also Deserve the Spotlight 

Community groups also had the chance to name other issues not listed in the original survey. And they brought up some powerful topics that too often get left out of the headlines. 

  • Topics that community groups say need more attention
    • Accessibility & Disability Rights
    • सार्वजनिक परिवहन
    • Entrepreneurship & Small Business Support
    • LGBTQ+ Protections & Gender-Affirming Health Care
    • Mental Health Resources
    • City Planning & Zoning
    • Fighting Government Corruption
    • Human Trafficking Prevention 

Affordability isn’t the only thing on New Yorkers’ minds. From mental health to transit access to zoning laws, people across the city want to see leadership that makes a difference they can feel. 

Consider this: What’s your top issue that rarely gets talked about? Do you feel it’s being addressed in this year’s elections? 

Why the Debates Are Must-See TV 

Debates are your opportunity to see which candidates really understand your neighborhood’s challenges and how they plan to address them. This is your chance to learn: 

  • Who’s serious about building affordable housing that works for everyone?

  • How will candidates fix our public schools without leaving any borough behind?

  • What’s the plan for tackling homelessness?

  • और अधिक

Consider this: What answer on any issue would resonate with you the most?

Become An Engaged Debate Watcher 

You don’t need to be an election expert to make an impact. Watch the debates, reflect on what’s being said (or not said), and share your thoughts with your community.  

Three simple steps to becoming an engaged debate watcher:

  • Tune in to the debates (of course). You can stream online and anywhere with no subscription needed. 

  • Make a list of your top issues. Use it to compare where each candidate stands.

  • Talk about it with your neighbors, your family, your barber. Anyone who will listen. 

Consider this: If you could ask one question at the debates, what would it be? 

This Is Your City and Your Vote 

The candidate debates are about your rent, your commute, your school system, your safety, and your future.

Whether you're concerned about climate change, health care, or housing, they’re your opportunity to hear directly from the people who want to lead this city on what matters to you. 

It’ll give you a clear picture to decide who earns your vote and a ranking on your ballot. 

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