Jumaane Williams

Jumaane D. Williams ( joo-MAH-nee; born May 11, 1976) is an American activist and politician who has served as the New York City Public Advocate since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party and a self-described democratic socialist, he is a former member of the New York City Council from the 45th district, which includes East Flatbush, Flatbush, Flatlands, Marine Park, and Midwood in Brooklyn. Williams was a member of the New York City Council from 2010 to 2019. He served as the council's deputy leader and as chair of the Task Force on City Workforce Equity. A candidate for lieutenant governor of New York in 2018, he lost to incumbent Kathy Hochul. Williams was elected New York City Public Advocate in the February 2019 special and November 2019 general elections to complete the term of Letitia James, who resigned to become attorney general of New York. He was re-elected in 2021 and 2025. Williams ran for governor in 2022, losing to incumbent governor Kathy Hochul in the Democratic primary.