Jumaane D. Williams ( joo-MAH-nee; born May 11, 1976) is an American activist and politician who has served as the New York City Public Advocate since 2019. He is a former member of the New York City Council from the 45th district, which includes East Flatbush, Flatbush, Flatlands, Marine Park, and Midwood in Brooklyn.
A member of the Democratic Party and a self-described democratic socialist, Williams served as Deputy Leader of the city council and chair of the Task Force on City Workforce Equity. A candidate for Lieutenant Governor of New York in 2018, he lost to incumbent Kathy Hochul. Williams was elected New York City Public Advocate in the 2019 special election to complete the term of Letitia James, who resigned to become Attorney General of New York. He was re-elected in 2021. Williams ran for governor in 2022, losing to incumbent governor Kathy Hochul in the Democratic primary by a margin of more than 48%.
Early life and education
Williams's parents, Greg and Patricia Williams, are from St. Andrew...