Viv Vi eyes Tish’s advocate job
Former Form City Council Speaker Melissaissa MMark-Viverito is considering runningning forf public advocate if incumbent Letitia James is elected state attorney general gener in November, sources said. Mark-Viverito Mar (left) last week ventured ture outside her longtime political b base Manhattan of the South by attending Bronx the and annual upper Kings K County Democratic Committee m Gala, where she told some elected officials that she’s “very interested” in the $184,000-a- year post, said three sources.
She could face a strong challenge from several Democrats, including Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, the sources said. Adams, who has declared his interest in becoming mayor in 2021, may see the public advocate’s post as a stepping stone.
Other potential candidates include New York Building Congress President Carlo Scissura and First Lady Chirlane McCray.
James is the early favorite to win the attorney general race.
If she does, a nonpartisan special election would be held in early 2019 to decide who will be public advocate for the rest of the year. A second election would later be held to determine who will serve the remainder of James’ term through 2021.
Mark-Viverito, who is a senior adviser for political-action committee Latino Victory Project, did not return messages seeking comment.