Jumaane Williams and Jenifer Rajkumar are running for a New York City elected office once described in the pages of City & State as “lacking control over any aspect of the government.”

At their first debate on Thursday, the two candidates nonetheless tried to make the case that they could use the office to steer the city in a safer, more affordable direction. Each echoed many of the same ideals shared by candidates for other citywide offices at recent debates: standing up to Trump, holding the next mayor accountable, filling city vacancies, fighting for affordable housing.

“You’re worried about Donald Trump? You’re worried about the mayor? You can count on an advocate that you know will stand up for you transparently and with courage,” Williams, the incumbent public advocate, said

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