Amid the conclusion of the mayoral election in New York City and the reshaping of the political power landscape, another behind-the-scenes battle regarding the direction of municipal governance is unfolding – the election for City Council Speaker. The Speaker is the highest-ranking official in the City Council, not only guiding legislative agendas but also playing a crucial role in overseeing and balancing the power between the City Council and the mayor.
If the new Speaker resonates with the mayor and aligns on policy priorities, the city’s governance agenda is expected to progress smoothly with reforms accelerating. However, if there are ideological constraints, it could lead to a healthy political balance, potentially maintaining stability along the political spectrum.
This year’s race for the Speaker position is particularly intense. According to City & State reports, female and lawmakers of color make up the majority in the current City Council, leading many members to hope for a candidate from these two groups. The five candidates vying for the position each bring their own political backgrounds and strategies, representing different factions and power alliances.
Julie Menin from the Upper East Side of Manhattan is a white Jewish woman who has served as a department head in the city government three times, positioning herself for the role of Speaker long-term. She has actively campaigned for colleagues and candidates, donating nearly $27,000, and has garnered support from some Democratic and Republican council members. Menin is favored by labor unions and is seen as a centrist who can maintain institutional stability, but progressive allies are concerned about her proximity to established interests.
Menin advocates for increased budget transparency, improving legislative efficiency, and prioritizing policies such as universal childcare and affordable housing. She has met with the newly elected mayor Maldani, emphasizing a stance of “collaboration but maintaining independence.”
Crystal Hudson, a council member from Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights, is a Jamaica and Honduran descent Black LGBTQ woman who openly supports Maldani’s mayoral campaign. She has received support from several unions and progressive groups, despite not fully aligning politically with the incoming mayor in terms of organizational affiliations (she is not a DSA member). Hudson stands out for her progressive positions and emphasizes the need for the Speaker to find a balance between “collaboration and oversight” – advocating for reforms when aligned with the mayor and vocal dissent when in disagreement. She claims to have a broad alliance, particularly wielding influence among progressive groups in Brooklyn.
Amanda Farías, a council member from the Bronx, is a Afro-Latina of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent and currently serves as the majority leader in the City Council. She also supports Maldani’s reform agenda but describes herself as a “progressive pragmatist.” Farías is a member of the Council’s progressive core group and advocates for reducing external interference in the Council’s affairs, granting members greater say in personnel matters and policy directions, while calling for enhanced support for working-class families and communities of color.
Despite her positive relationship with the Bronx party, local forces have not uniformly expressed support yet. Her challenge lies in how to secure endorsements from both unions and county-level party factions.
Chris Marte, representing Manhattan’s Lower East Side and Chinatown, is the son of Dominican immigrants and a member of the Council’s progressive core group. However, he does not completely align with internal factions. He has publicly unveiled a 26-point Council reform plan, advocating for automatic hearings and votes on bills supported by a supermajority of sponsors, as well as eliminating punitive powers for leadership. His goal is to “break internal monopolies and return power to the members,” aiming to attract dissatisfied colleagues with the current system, although his “counter-establishment” stance has caused some colleagues to be wary of him.
Marte understands that he is at a disadvantage in the Speaker race. His strategy involves courting members who have not taken a stance or do not have strong endorsements, hoping to become their “second choice.”
Selvena Brooks-Powers, a council member from Rockaway Beach in Queens, is a Jamaican descent Black woman and the current majority party whip in the City Council. Presenting herself as a “coordinator,” she advocates for the Speaker to cultivate internal harmony to enhance efficiency. Her moderate stance and managerial experience have attracted those seeking to balance Maldani’s administration with a centrist influence.
Brooks-Powers has a close relationship with Congressman Greg Meeks and is seen as a potential compromise candidate for establishment factions in Queens and Brooklyn. She emphasizes “steady leadership” in budgeting and legislation to ensure stability and continuity in the Council leading up to the 2029 turnover.
Similar to Menin, Brooks-Powers has not publicly endorsed Maldani but has met with him and expressed willingness to collaborate on shared priorities with the next administration.