Voters Guide

2025 Primary Election

Our Preferences

This June, New Yorkers will vote in party primaries for New York City Mayor, Comptroller, Public Advocate, Borough Presidents, City Council, and other offices. Most winners of these primaries are likely to prevail in the general election, making the rankings voters assign on their ballots all the more important. In a City fatigued by a crisis of corruption and shaken confidence in City Hall, confronting an openly hostile President, and facing an uncertain fiscal future, it is essential that those elected to represent New York City strengthen our democracy, demonstrate competent leadership, and usher in a new era of reform in New York.

Since 1910, Citizens Union has evaluated local candidates for elected office and backed those who strongly support and can advance our agenda for reform. This year, our members interviewed dozens of candidates across all five boroughs. We’re proud to support a slate of individuals committed to fair and open elections and honest and accountable governance. You can find our picks and rankings for the 2025 Primary Election below, along with a writeup on each candidate.

Press Release: Citizens Union Announces Preference for Keith Powers for Manhattan Borough President and 12 Candidates for City Council

Bronx

Council District 14 – Democratic Party Primary
Rank #1
Pierina Sanchez
Our Pick
Pierina Sanchez
Rank #1
Our Pick
Rank #2
Bryan Hodge Vasquez
Bryan Hodge Vasquez
Rank #2
Council District 17 – Democratic Party Primary
Rank #1
Justin Sanchez
Our Pick
Justin Sanchez
Rank #1
Our Pick
Rank #2
Antirson Ortiz
Antirson Ortiz
Rank #2
Rank #3
Elvis Santana
Elvis Santana
Rank #3

Brooklyn

Council District 38 – Democratic Party Primary
Council District 39 – Democratic Party Primary

Manhattan

Manhattan Borough President – Democratic Party Primary
Rank #1
Keith Powers
Our Pick
Keith Powers
Rank #1
Our Pick
Rank #2
Brad Hoylman-Sigal
Brad Hoylman-Sigal
Rank #2
Council District 2 – Democratic Party Primary
Rank #1
Harvey Epstein
Our Pick
Harvey Epstein
Rank #1
Our Pick
Rank #2
Sarah Batchu
Sarah Batchu
Rank #2
Rank #3
Andrea Gordillo
Andrea Gordillo
Rank #3
Council District 4 – Democratic Party Primary
Rank #1
Vanessa Aronson
Our Pick
Vanessa Aronson
Rank #1
Our Pick
Rank #2
Ben Wetzler
Ben Wetzler
Rank #2
Rank #3
Virginia Maloney
Virginia Maloney
Rank #3
Rank #4
Faith Bondy
Faith Bondy
Rank #4
Rank #5
Rachel Storch
Rachel Storch
Rank #5
Council District 5 – Democratic Party Primary
Council District 8 – Democratic Party Primary
Rank #1
Elsie Encarnacion
Our Pick
Elsie Encarnacion
Rank #1
Our Pick
Rank #2
Wilfredo López
Wilfredo López
Rank #2
Rank #3
Clarisa Alayeto
Clarisa Alayeto
Rank #3

Queens

Council District 21 – Democratic Party Primary
Council District 28 – Democratic Party Primary
Rank #1
Tyrell Hankerson
Our Pick
Tyrell Hankerson
Rank #1
Our Pick
Rank #2
Japneet Singh
Japneet Singh
Rank #2
Rank #3
Romeo Hitlall
Romeo Hitlall
Rank #3
Council District 30 – Democratic Party Primary
Rank #1
Dermot Smyth
Our Pick
Dermot Smyth
Rank #1
Our Pick
Rank #2
Paul Pogozelski
Paul Pogozelski
Rank #2

Staten Island

Council District 51 – Republican Party Primary