For over 125 years, Citizens Union (CU) has been devoted to holding our local government accountable with the highest ethical standards and fighting for political reforms that improve New York democracy. A nonpartisan organization, we have sought to increase voter participation and expand voting rights, limit the role of money in elections, strengthen ethics oversight, and much more. 

Why and how do we evaluate candidates for office? 

To promote fair and open elections, honest and accountable government, and a civically engaged public, we evaluate candidates running for office in New York City and back those who strongly support reform. Our evaluations are done through questionnaires, independent research, and interviews conducted by CU members. Since 1910, we have published a Voters Directory before every election with a nonpartisan evaluation of the candidates. In general elections, we also publish our positions on ballot questions. 

While some national and local media have discontinued offering endorsements in elections, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing voters with the clear, nonpartisan information they need to make informed decisions. Now more than ever, New Yorkers deserve a reliable resource to help them understand who is best equipped to serve New York City.

2025 Primary overview 

This June, New Yorkers will vote in primary elections to choose party nominations for New York City Mayor, New York City Comptroller, Borough Presidents, City Council Members, as well as judicial, district attorney, and party positions. Citizens Union evaluated 46 candidates in 15 races across all five boroughs to determine who can strongly support our issues, advance a reform agenda, and can best fulfill the obligations of each position. 

Interview teams made up of Local Candidates Committee members and Citizens Union Board Members assessed the candidates based on their responses to Citizens Union’s questionnaire, independent research, first-hand knowledge of the candidates, and interviews with the candidates. All interviews were held by video conference (interviews with mayoral candidates were recorded and will be made public). The interview teams then made advisory recommendations to the full Local Candidates Committee, which deliberated and made recommendations to the Citizens Union Board of Directors; final decisions were made by the Board. In most cases, Citizens Union issued ordered preferences, urging voters to make use of the ranked choice ballots. 

Given time constraints and the limited capacity of a member-based organization, we are not able to evaluate all contests or candidates in an election cycle.

Acknowledgements

This Voters Guide would not be possible without the hard work of 61 volunteer members of our Local Candidates Committee (LCC), Citizens Union Board of Directors, staff, and interns. We thank them for contributing their time, energy, and expertise to interviewing and evaluating candidates. 

We’d like to extend a special thanks to our spring 2025 policy interns for their commendable work throughout this process: Alice Gaalswyk, Myles Moore, Max Weber, and Suzanna Weber. Citizens Union applauds your contributions.

What were the candidates asked?

Candidate questionnaires cover Citizens Union’s reform agenda on issues like elections and voting, campaign finance, ethics in government, police accountability, checks and balances, as well as the specific concerns related to the office they seek.

You can download a blank questionnaire here (.docx file).

• Mayor
• Comptroller
• Borough President
• City Council

How is support for candidates decided?

Support for Citizens Union’s reform agenda is the primary criterion used in deciding our support for a candidate.

Other criteria considered in evaluating candidates and campaigns:

• A record of ethical integrity
• Commitment and ability to advance CU’s goals, if elected
• For incumbents: demonstrated support for CU’s issues while in office
• Evidence of ability to wage an effective and competitive campaign
• Reliance on small-donor, local financing of the campaign
• Candidates’ grasp of issues specific to the race’s jurisdiction and whether they propose thoughtful solutions to represent constituents’ interests

Evaluation of the candidates and the decision to support a particular candidate shall be made without regard to political party and in a nonpartisan manner.

See more in our candidate evaluation principles and criteria.

Levels of support for candidates

A “Preferred” rating reflects a candidate that Citizens Union deems not only qualified for the office, but also a viable candidate, committed to an agenda of positive reform. Please note that candidates not preferred may nevertheless be highly regarded, which is generally reflected in the commentary. Citizens Union issues a “Preferred” rating in primary elections, and an “Endorsed” rating for general election contests. In Ranked Choice Voting elections, Citizens Union may order its support. In which case, “preference” would be used to describe the first ranked candidate, while terms like “ranked second” would be used to describe support for other candidates.

 A “No Preference” rating may result when there is insufficient information available, it is believed that the candidates are of equal merit, or if no candidate interviewed by Citizens Union is believed to be effective or capable of representing the district. A “Dual Preference” designation may be offered to two qualified candidates, but not a “Dual Endorsement.” A “Dual Preference” shall be used only as a last resort, and, in the case of such determination, CU shall explain its reasoning in its Voters Guide.

Can I see who you supported in the past?

Yes. You can see previous Voter Directories here. Beginning in 1910 and continuing today, Citizens Union has published a Voters Directory before every election. The Directory remains CU’s unique contribution to the voting public and has always been based on the premise that democracy depends on an informed electorate. Throughout the last century, a major portion of the time and energy of CU’s volunteers and staff has been devoted to making sure that the Voters Directory has been fair and non-partisan. Over the years, we have supported and endorsed hundreds of candidates for office. We provide all candidates with the opportunity to present their case to our members and conduct an open process that evaluates their policy plans and vision for the office and is not beholden to any party power structure.

How can I contact you?The best way to contact us is by emailing candidates@citizensunion.org.