Policy cheat sheet: Where the 2025 NYC mayoral candidates stand

Today's newsletter is curated by James Ramsay

Weather: ⛅ Partly cloudy and very windy, with gusts up to 45 mph and highs in the lower 40s.

It's Thursday in New York City, where the incumbent mayor, Eric Adams, is facing an unusually crowded field of primary challengers as he seeks reelection while battling federal charges and a cascade of scandals.

So Gothamist is launching a policy tracker to help voters see the candidates' positions and records on key issues — and what they’re promising constituents. 

Here's what we know so far about where the candidates stand on housing, transportation and immigration.

And here's what else is happening:

• Police said they're searching for suspects after multiple shooters opened fire outside a private event space in Queens late Wednesday night, sending 10 people — teens and young adults — to the hospital.
  • The NYPD, which stated last night that the Queens shooting was "not a terrorist attack," also said there are no credible threats in New York City after the New Year's attack in New Orleans.
• Law enforcement agencies have searched the home of former NYPD Chief of Department Jeffery Maddrey, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed Thursday.
• An attorney for New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has filed a last-ditch legal attempt to prevent the MTA from starting the congestion pricing tolling program on Sunday.
• Despite attempts by the NYPD, the MTA and social media platforms to discourage subway surfing, six people died from riding atop trains last year, according to police data.
• What’s the economic outlook for New York City in 2025? According to one expert: Less talk of recession, but potential spending cuts under a second Donald Trump presidency that could exacerbate poverty and income inequality.
• The latest on winter virus season in the city: Flu and COVID cases are rising, while RSV is making a slight dip.

• Welcome to New York City, New Year's babies!
• A couple walking along the beach at Smith Point this week stumbled onto a human jawbone.
• Pedestrian deaths in New York City ticked upward in 2024, according to city data.
• Page Six reports that Luigi Mangione has hired Harvey Weinstein's prison consultant.
• Australians are frustrated with Ice Spice for showing up late to a Melbourne music festival on New Year's Eve and only performing two songs.
• Basketball coaches should wear suits.
• American tourists in Europe should not wear novelty fedoras.
• "See you on the Stairmaster!"