Public Advocate Jumaane Williams is already thinking about his next job. 

Of course, before that, he has to try to keep his current one.

On Tuesday night, Williams will face off against his Republican opponent, Dr. Devi Nampiaparampil, in their only televised debate before Election Day right here on NY1. 


What You Need To Know

  • Jumaane Williams will face off against Dr. Devi Nampiaparampil in the final debate before Election Day

  • Williams has a strong advantage in the contest and is also exploring a run for governor

  • Dr. Nampiaparampil is a pain management physician and medical television commentator
  • The debate will be live at 7 p.m. Tuesday night

“We're doing what we normally do,” Williams told NY1 on Monday. “Getting a team together, doing some debate prep. Going over conversations that we have."

Dr. Nampiaparampil, who goes by Dr. Devi, is a physician specializing in pain management. She has criticized the state’s bail reform law and says she does not support the vaccine mandates implemented by the de Blasio administration.  

"I work as a pain physician,” said Dr. Devi Nampiaparampil on Manhattan Neighborhood Network. “But sometimes if things are not working, if what I am doing for the patient is not working, I have to hand over the patient's care to somebody else."

Williams has several advantages in this contest. For one, he is the incumbent. Two, Democrats greatly outnumber Republicans in the five boroughs.

While Dr. Nampiaparampil has only raised a little over $124,000, Williams has more than $1 million, according to the latest campaign finance filing. The vast majority of that is from the city's public matching fund program. Some have criticized the public advocate for accepting the public cash when his race is not fiercely competitive.

"If you don't take the election seriously people say you're taking it for granted,” Williams said. “If you do take it seriously, it’s token opposition. You kind of get stuck."

Political observers say he it would be difficult for Williams to lose.

"The public advocate is all but assured reelection,” said political consultant Monica Klein. “We know that he is going to win this election. So what is really happening in this debate is an opportunity for Jumaane Williams to speak directly to voters, especially as someone who is rumored to be eyeing the governor's mansion.”

Nonetheless, Williams says he is still taking the contest seriously. 

We know his opponent is too. 

Dr. Nampiaparampil was doing debate prep this week with another gubernatorial candidate, Andrew Giuliani.