New York City’s 2025 comptroller primary has drawn intense scrutiny as voters prepare to cast their ballots for the city’s top fiscal watchdog. The NYC comptroller candidates—Brooklyn City Councilmember Justin Brannan and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, along with State Senator Kevin Parker and civil servant Ismael Malave—are vying for a role that oversees the city’s $115 billion budget, audits agency finances, and manages five public pension funds. With early voting running from June 14 to June 22 and Election Day on June 24, the race remains fluid, with nearly half of likely Democratic voters still undecided and the contest tightening between Brannan and Levine.
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The Leading NYC Comptroller Candidates
The field of NYC comptroller candidates is led by two prominent figures: Justin Brannan and Mark Levine. Brannan, who chairs the City Council’s finance committee, has built a reputation as a pragmatic, detail-oriented lawmaker. Levine, as Manhattan Borough President, brings executive experience and a deep network of endorsements from elected officials across the city. Both candidates have spent months crisscrossing the five boroughs, seeking support from unions, community groups, and party leaders.
Despite being largely aligned on policy, the race has become a contest of coalition-building and messaging. Levine has out-raised Brannan by approximately $1.3 million, but recent polls show the gap narrowing. In mid-June, Levine led Brannan 30% to 19% among likely Democratic voters, down from a 25-point spread in late May. With nearly half the electorate still undecided, the outcome is far from certain.
State Senator Kevin Parker and Ismael Malave, while on the ballot, are not considered frontrunners. Parker, a veteran lawmaker from Brooklyn, and Malave, a city government analyst, have campaigned on their experience and commitment to transparency, but have struggled to gain traction against the well-funded and well-organized campaigns of Brannan and Levine.
Key Issues and Recent Debates
The NYC comptroller candidates have focused their campaigns on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and the need for a strong check on mayoral power. The comptroller serves as the city’s independent financial watchdog, auditing city agencies and rooting out waste and mismanagement. The role also involves managing the city’s pension funds, which are among the largest in the world.
In a recent televised debate on NY1, Brannan and Levine sparred over their approaches to Mayor Adams and their visions for the office. Levine emphasized the need for robust reserve funds and warned of threats from federal budget cuts proposed by former President Donald Trump and Republican allies. Brannan, meanwhile, highlighted his experience navigating the city’s complex budget process and his record of holding city agencies accountable.
Both candidates have also addressed the importance of the comptroller’s role in ensuring equity and accountability in city spending, particularly as New York faces ongoing challenges from the migrant crisis, housing shortages, and economic uncertainty.
Endorsements and Campaign Dynamics
Endorsements have played a significant role in shaping the race among the NYC comptroller candidates. Levine has secured support from a broad coalition of elected officials, including members of Congress, borough presidents, and city and state legislators. His endorsements reflect both geographic and ideological diversity, with backing from progressive and moderate Democrats alike.
Brannan, while trailing in endorsements and fundraising, has gained momentum in recent weeks. His campaign has focused on grassroots outreach and has seen a surge in support from labor unions and community organizations. The narrowing poll numbers suggest that Brannan’s message is resonating with undecided voters, particularly in Brooklyn and Queens.
The race remains a toss-up, with both candidates working hard to turn out their bases and sway undecided voters. The unpredictability of the contest has made it one of the most closely watched down-ballot races in the city.
Key Point Summary
- Top Candidates: Justin Brannan (Brooklyn City Council) and Mark Levine (Manhattan Borough President) are the leading NYC comptroller candidates.
- Other Candidates: State Senator Kevin Parker and Ismael Malave are also on the ballot but trail in polls and endorsements.
- Role of Comptroller: Oversees city budget, audits agencies, manages pension funds, and acts as a check on the mayor.
- Recent Polls: Levine leads Brannan, but the gap has narrowed; nearly half of voters remain undecided.
- Endorsements: Levine leads in endorsements and fundraising; Brannan is gaining ground with grassroots support.
- Key Issues: Fiscal responsibility, transparency, equity, and accountability in city spending.
The Final Stretch: What to Expect on Election Day
With the June 24 primary just hours away, the NYC comptroller candidates are making their final pitches to voters. Early voting turnout has been steady, but the large number of undecided voters means the race could be decided in the final days. Both Brannan and Levine have ramped up their digital and field operations, flooding social media with ads, videos, and live events.
On platforms like Instagram and YouTube, both campaigns have posted behind-the-scenes footage, candidate interviews, and endorsements from community leaders. These efforts are designed to energize supporters and reach voters who may not be following the race closely.
The outcome of the comptroller’s race will have significant implications for New York City’s financial future. The winner will play a crucial role in shaping the city’s response to ongoing challenges, from budget deficits to pension fund management.
Don’t miss your chance to help shape the future of New York City. Head to the polls on June 24 and make your voice heard in this critical election for NYC comptroller candidates.