Seventeen people want the role. Here’s a cheat sheet on the race.

Who’s running?

Here’s a list.

Why does it matter?

Civic pride! If that’s not enough, consider this: The office has a budget of $3.5 million, can introduce legislation and can hold public hearings. The public advocate also temporarily replaces the mayor if he leaves office early (Mayor de Blasio has not ruled out a 2020 presidential run).

The role also offers an opportunity to diversify the power-holders at City Hall: White men hold New York City’s top posts. Some public advocate hopefuls want to change that.

Furthermore, three of the four previous public advocates ran for higher office: Ms. James, Mr. de Blasio and Mark Green, who fell short in his mayoral bid.

What should I know about the front-runners?

• Jumaane Williams, the Brooklyn councilman who lost the lieutenant governor’s race in November, was endorsed by The Times.