With weeks to go before early voting begins in the New York City primary, NY1 is sitting down with candidates running in the Democratic primary for public advocate—the citywide position next in line to the mayor if the current officeholder cannot serve out their term.

On Tuesday, current Public Advocate Jumaane made his case for reelection on “Mornings On 1.” He is facing a challenge from Queens Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar.

“I’m proud of the work that we’ve been doing,” he said, noting that he has advocated for other cities to create the office.

Williams said he has tried to bring legislative success and public advocacy to the role.

“We’ve actually passed more pieces of legislation than all the previous public advocates combined,” he said. “And that was important to me because we wanted to show you can do politics the way I do… lifting up issues and getting things done at the same time.”

The public advocate is a non-voting member of the City Council. They cannot decide on legislation, but they can introduce and co-sponsor bills.

While the public advocate role has historically served as a springboard to higher office, Williams insisted his focus is on staying put.

“I think people who know me [would say] that I’m probably refreshingly honest. When I'm trying to do something, I just tell you, ‘I'm trying to do it,’” he said. “I'm still running for reelection. I'm honest about what I'm trying to do and why I'm trying to do it.”

Williams is critical of Mayor Eric Adams, who is running for reelection as an independent following a federal indictment that ultimately saw all charges dropped.

“I think the quickest we can get away from the Adams administration is better for New York City,” Williams said. “We are in a space, unfortunately, where we have a deputy president and not the mayor that we actually need—and you need someone who can call that out.”

Asked about his opponent’s criticism, including her claim that he’s been a “public absentee,” Williams pushed back, saying he’s been criticized for being too vocal as well.

“Choose one, because it was either I was trying to get too much publicity on issues, and now you’re absentee. It can't be both of those things at the same time,” he said.

In his pitch to voters during the interview, Williams highlighted what he sees as a unique blend of activism and effectiveness.

“Right now, I think folks are concerned—from the White House to City Hall—and we have the best intersection of activism and actually getting things done legislatively. That’s what we need in this moment in time,” he said.