Juan Manuel Benítez Wants to Know

Before you step into the booth, hear from someone who’s seen NYC power from both sides. Grace Rauh —former NY1 City Hall reporter and now executive director at Citizens Union and the 5BORO Institute— joins Juan Manuel Benítez to break down what’s actually on your ballot and why turnout keeps sinking. They get into the even-year election fight, the housing/zoning package, digital mapping, and the A...

In late January, I participated in a breakfast interview with New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, hosted by the New York Editorial Board, of which I'm a member. Back then, Mamdani was a progressive underdog in the race - a state assemblymember with ambitious ideas but long odds. A lot has changed since that breakfast. Mamdani won the Democratic nomination and today, he's become somethi...

Brian Lehrer has hosted WNYC's flagship morning show since 1989, and has interviewed every New York mayor since David Dinkins. In this rare in-depth conversation, the notoriously private broadcaster opens up about his life, his craft, and the state of journalism and democracy in 2025. Plus, will he vote in this mayoral election? Brian's picks: Book: "The Bee Sting" by Paul Murray  Park: Inwood Hil...

Queens State Senator Jessica Ramos sits down for an candid conversation about one of the most controversial decisions of her political career: endorsing former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary for mayor after years of publicly criticizing him and calling for his resignation. The Colombian-American legislator opens up about the political calculations behind that stunning move, her fr...

Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels and Republican candidate for mayor of New York City, sits down to discuss his unconventional campaign in a race led by democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani. Despite being the GOP nominee, Sliwa has no support from President Trump, who backs Andrew Cuomo instead—and he says he doesn't care. In this wide-ranging conversation, Sliwa reveals how billionaires...

Mayor Eric Adams is still in the race to get reelected — and he wants you to know it. In this candid interview, Adams takes aim at his political rival Andrew Cuomo, pushes back on persistent media narratives, and blames campaign finance setbacks on what he calls “lawfare” and rumor-fueled media coverage. Adams insists he's not dropping out — and that the public hasn’t been told the full story. We...

In this conversation, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine discusses his journey in New York City politics, focusing on his recent campaign for comptroller, the challenges of housing affordability, and the importance of progressive policies. He reflects on his experiences running for office, the role of the comptroller, and his commitment to using technology to improve city governance. Levine a...

In this revealing conversation, host Juan Manuel Benítez sits down with Kathryn Wylde, the powerful voice of New York's business community who's stepping down after decades at the helm of the Partnership for NYC. As the business world grapples with Zohran Mamdani's surprising mayoral primary victory, Wylde offers unprecedented insight into how corporate leaders really feel about the self-proclaime...

In the debut episode of "Juan Manuel Benítez Wants to Know," host Juan Manuel Benítez explores this central question with NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, the progressive politician who lost his mayoral bid in June's Democratic primary but whose cross-endorsement helped propel rival Zohran Mamdani to victory. Lander reveals why he made the strategic decision to endorse his former opponent, what role h...