Most people don’t know what the comptroller does, and those who do disagree about how to pronounce it. Those in the know agree that it’s the second-most important elected office in the city, after the mayor. The comptroller is essentially the chief financial officer of the city, overseeing pension fund investments totaling about $280 billion. Additionally, the comptroller audits agencies—be it the New York City Housing Authority, the New York Police Department, or any other—to ensure efficiency and accountability from the mayoral administration. The comptroller must also approve city contracts, another important check on irresponsible mayoral decision-making.

Current comptroller Brad Lander is running for mayor, leaving the office up for grabs. It’s a two-way race between Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and Brooklyn City Council Member Justin Brannan.

Mark Levine, also a former council member, has been exemplary as BP. He has been particularly focused on housing affordability, championing the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity plan to legalize a little more housing in every neighborhood and proactively identifying locations for new homes across the borough. This focus on housing is motivating his comptroller run; his “Affordability Fund” plan will leverage $2.5 billion in support of 75,000 affordable homes. Levine is a former public school teacher who started a credit union for underbanked New Yorkers. He has expansive support, including many members of New York congressional delegation, his three fellow Democratic borough presidents, the Stonewall and Jim Owles Democrats (progressive LGBTQ+ Democratic Clubs), and most labor unions.

Justin Brannan is mounting a compelling challenge, but with a more uncertain approach to the office. His endorsement by the Working Families Party drew confusion due to lack a of history supporting more progressive policies than Levine. As finance chair in the council, he has been effective in negotiations; however, he is not a champion of the issues most urgent in New York. 

Brannan secured carve-outs for his district in the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity—meaning it would not have to contribute new housing to a plan designed to add a little bit more in every neighborhood—and opposed three needed shelters for homeless New Yorkers, later claiming he never did. He has also criticized congestion pricing, a critical climate and transit policy. A Super PAC supporting him is tied to casino developers, and Brannan has recently changed his tune on openness to approving a casino in Coney Island.

Levine is the clear choice for Comptroller, and will be an asset in citywide office.