City & State has identified the 20 most influential New York politicians of the last two decades, featuring a mix of long-serving congressional leaders, former mayors, and rising figures from Central Brooklyn.
Brooklyn’s Political Ascent
Hakeem Jeffries and Letitia James are highlighted as leaders of a generation from Central Brooklyn. Two decades ago, Jeffries was an aspiring Assembly member and James was a second-term New York City Council member. Today, Jeffries serves as the House minority leader and may become the first Black speaker of the House, while James serves as the state attorney general.
Mayoral Influence and Ideology
The list includes former Mayor Bill de Blasio, who campaigned in 2013 on addressing a “Tale of Two Cities.” His tenure included the pursuit of rent freezes, housing investments, universal prekindergarten, and raising the minimum wage.
Also featured is current New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. A democratic socialist, Mamdani is the youngest person on the list and has been influential for the shortest duration. Depending on the evaluation, his influence spans from six years, starting with his 2020 election to the Assembly, to two years, beginning with his mayoral campaign.
Congressional Legacies
The late Rep. Charlie Rangel is recognized for his 46-year tenure in Congress and for becoming the first Black member to chair the House Ways and Means Committee. The Rev. Al Sharpton described Rangel’s “don’t cry in your milk, keep going” philosophy as “contagious.”
Rep. Jerry Nadler is also noted for his impact, specifically for leading House Democrats to impeach Donald Trump, protecting voting rights, and enshrining the right to marry in federal law.