The landscape of New York City politics is in the midst of a significant shift, as the 2021 borough president races represent the most contested elections in recent history. From the Bronx to Staten Island, each borough is witnessing a surge in voter engagement, a diverse field of candidates and a higher than ever spending of campaign funds. As the city prepares to elect five Borough Presidents in June, it is essential to be well informed of the critical issues, platforms, and policies of each borough president race. In this article, we dive into all that you need to know about the 2021 borough president races.
Who are the Candidates?
The 2021 elections feature an array of experienced candidates, many of whom are veteran politicians who are no strangers to the mayoral race and citywide elections. The polarizing Democratic Party primary in 2021 has drawn attention to the borough president races, spurring more candidacies, more engagement and a diverse field of candidates. Here’s a comprehensive list of the contenders for the five borough president posts:
• Bronx: Council Member Rubén DÃaz, Jr; borough President candidate Timothy Dirksen; former City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito
• Brooklyn: Council Member Antonio Reynoso; former Council Member Kendall Stewart; sitting Borough President Eric Adams
• Manhattan: Council Member Carlina Rivera; sitting Borough President Gale Brewer; and challenger Mark Levine
• Queens: Sitting Borough President Melinda Katz; Council Member Costa Constantinides; former Council Member Elizabeth Crowley
• Staten Island: Council Member Steven Matteo; Former Council Member Nicole Malliotakis; Activist Patricia Bruno
What Are the Key Issues?
The 2021 borough elections will also serve as a referendum on the challenging issues facing New York City. As the city continues to navigate through the drastic changes that followed the pandemic, the decision-making power of the borough president has never been more important. One of the key issues this election are the rights of tenants, who have faced skyrocketing rents, rent hikes and exploitative flat fees. Police accountability and budget reform are also among the policies that candidates have pledged to tackle, as demonstrators continue to call for an end to harsh discipline and cuts to police funding. Different contenders have expressed distinct views on the city’s controversial measures and systemic issues, including how to use the city’s infrastructure to foster a more equitable society. Below is a breakdown of the key issues each mayoral candidate has committed to:
• Bronx: Approaching the police accountability debate sensitively, focusing on community-oriented strategies and addressing the disparities in education and housing.
• Brooklyn: The timely issue of responding to the emerging police reform movement and supporting affordable housing initiatives and equitable education policies.
• Manhattan: Broadening resources and expanding healthcare access, developing green spaces and reducing bureaucracy in government.
• Queens: Making sure that families with mixed-immigration background can thrive, protecting the city’s natural spaces and continue the push for police reform.
• Staten Island: Maintaining safety from domestic terror and gang activity and aggressively fighting for environmental protection.
How Can You Vote?
If you are a New Yorker, you’ll need to be registered to vote for the 2021 borough president race. The registration deadline for the June primary is May 24, 2021. Eligible New Yorkers may also request an absentee ballot in the election. Furthermore, please note that if you live in the city as an undocumented immigrant, you can also register to vote in the borough president race.
Once you are registered to vote, it is always essential to do your research, understand the nuances of the platforms, and carefully consider the experiences offered by each mayoral candidate. Whether you are only considering a single race or all five boroughs, your vote has tremendous potential to shape the landscape of New York City.
The 2021 borough president race is critical to the future of New York City, and the winner will play a crucial role in the development of the city’s politics and policies. It is essential to stay up to date on the most important issues in each borough and the platforms offered by each candidate. As the city’s five boroughs choose their new borough presidents, get to know the contenders and exercise your right to vote in this important election.
