After Tish James is sworn in as New York's new Attorney General in January, there will be a special election for Public Advocate held sometime in February, plus an off-cycle primary in September, and a general election in November. That's three elections all in 2019. And that's the minimum. 

"Depending on the outcome of the February election we could have another — or possibly two other — special elections in 2019 as well," said Amy Loprest, Executive Director of New York City's Campaign Finance Board. 

For example, say a borough president runs and wins ... there's an additional special election, primary and general for that. If a council member replaces the borough president ... there's a special election, primary and general there too. And there's always the possibility of run-offs. Plus, whoever wins those seats would only serve out the remainder of their predecessors' terms. They'd have to run for a full term after that. 

Each election would cost millions of dollars, and would rely on a board of elections that was thrown into chaos by a two-page ballot just weeks ago. 

But of course, this cascade is just a hypothetical. No borough president has thrown a hat in the ring yet, although Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams is said to be mulling a run. Several city council members are also running. Former City Council Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito announced her candidacy this week. State assembly members and local activists are also in the mix. 

Current Council Speaker Corey Johnson will serve as acting Public Advocate after James steps into her new role and before the special election. 

The Public Advocate is considered the city's watchdog, and first in the line of succession if the mayor isn't able to serve. The office is also a stepping stone for ambitious politicians. The previous public advocate was named Bill de Blasio.