FLATBUSH, BROOKLYN -- A special election will decide who replaces Brooklyn city councilman Jumaane Williams, chosen this week to be the city's Public Advocate, and a slew of candidates have thrown their hats into the ring even before Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the date of yet another special election.

Before you make up your mind and get ready to cast your ballot, here's what you need to know about the official candidates' platforms, backgrounds and endorsements. Farah Louis Background: Louis has been serving as Williams' deputy chief of staff but also worked as a communications representative for Bill de Blasio (when he was public advocate), state Sen. Kevin Parker and Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte.

Platform: As deputy chief-of-staff, Louis said she placed her focus on anti-gun violence, immigration, and education. She also founded a nonprofit Girls Leading Up, Inc, which supports young women interested in civil engagement. Endorsements: Louis has earned a powerful endorsement from Flatbush assemblywoman Bichotte, which Kings County Politics reports places Louis as a frontrunner in the race.

Anthony Beckford Background: Beckford is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and community activist who focuses on gun violence, mental health and housing concerns in central Brooklyn. He leads the Brooklyn sector of the Copwatch Patrol Unit, a group that documents police interactions, and serves as the president and co-founder of Black Lives Matter Brooklyn.

Platform: Beckford promises to continue his community work, which thus far has focused on affordable housing, immigration rights, women's rights, LGBTQ rights and police accountability.

Endorsements: Beckford has not yet listed endorsements on his website. Xamayla Rose Background: Rose says it was the gang murder of her brother Christopher in 2005 that spurred her to become an activist and launch her youth nonprofit, the Christopher Rose Community Empowerment Campaign. She has also chaired Community Board 17's education committee and served with the Ernest Skinner Political Association, Brooklyn Perinatal Network and Brooklyn Hospital Center Foundation