BY SCOTT STIFFLER | Despite the defeat they were handed in last year’s presidential election, area Democrats need not be discouraged, as the task of candidate vetting for 2025 elections are underway. Come November, voters will decide the race for Manhattan Borough President, NYC Comptroller, and other local positions that have the power to take some of the sting out of what’s happening nationally, by shoring up hyperlocal protections and policies.

November 4 seems such a very long way away–and it is, as we’re not even into the year’s second month. But before the fall’s final, decisive votes are cast, the race toward June 24’s Primary Election is on.

To that end comes a series of Candidate Forums that function to familiarize voters with those who’ve tossed their hats (or caps or lids or bonnets or whatnot) into the ring. Some names you will likely recognize, others you may be meeting for the first time. Either way, this is your chance to see how the skills and experiences of candidates compares to the duties of the elected position they have in mind. (See the image to your above left for a rundown of those who’ve come together to make the Mayoral Forum happen.)

This is what’s in store for January 29, February 4, and February 11. The oranizers note these Forums will “provides a unique opportunity for voters to hear directly from candidates…It’s your chance to learn about their platforms, pose your questions, and discuss the issues most important to our community.”

Candidate Forum for Comptroller & Manhattan Borough President 

Wednesday, January 29, 6:30pm

Online via Zoom & In-Person at the NY Seminar & Conference Center (114 W. 26th St.).

The candidates for Manhattan Borough President are Brad Hoylman-Sigal (currently a NYS Senator whose coverage area includes Chelsea) and current NYC Council Member Keith Powers. The Comptroller candidates are Justin Brannan, Mark Levine, and Ismael Malave. This Forum is co-sponsored by the CRDC (Chelsea Reform Democratic Club) and the HK Dems (Hell’s Kitchen Democrats). It is moderated by Layla Law-Gisiko of the CRDC and Paul Devlin of the HK Dems. To attend via Zoom, register by clicking here. To attend in person, click here.

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 Candidate Forum for Council District 3, Manhattan District Attorney, Public Advocate

Tuesday, February 4, 6:30pm

At Hudson Guild (401 W. 26th St.)

In the Primary race for NYC City Council District, candidates are the incumbant Erik Bottcher and challenger Dominick Romeo. In the race for Manhattan District Attorney,  Alvin Bragg , who currently holds that position, is running unopposed. In the race for Public Advocate, the incumbant Jumaane Williams faces Martin Dolan and.Jenifer Rajkumar, This Forum is co-sponsored by the CRDC (Chelsea Reform Democratic Club) and the HK Dems (Hell’s Kitchen Democrats). It is moderated by Layla Law-Gisiko of the CRDC and Paul Devlin of the HK Dems. To attend via Zoom, click here. To RSVP for in-person attendance, click here.

Candidate Forum for NYC Mayor

Tuesday, February 11, 6:30pm

At Manny Cantor Community Center & Educational Alliance (197 East Broadway)

This NYC Mayoral Candidate Forum is co-sponsored by the Downtown Democratic Club Coalition. Space is Limited. Priority seating will be given to members of the host clubs, so RSVP now to secure your spot, or register to attend virtually.

The following groups have come together to make this Mayoral Candidates Forum happen. Click on the name of any individual group for more information about them.

Coalition for a District Alternative 

Chelsea Reform Democratic Club 

Downtown Independent Democrats

Grand Street Democrats

Hell’s Kitchen Democrats

Manhattan Young Democrats

NYU College Democrats 

Three Bridges Democratic Club

United Democratic Organization

Village Independent Democrats

Village Reform Democratic Club

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