On Tuesday, polls will open across New York City for the first-ever citywide special election.

It's the race to fill the seat of Public Advocate. The office was left vacant in January after its previous holder Leticia James was sworn in as the new State Attorney General.

There are a whopping 17 candidates on the ballot. WNYC's City Hall and Politics Reporter, Brigid Bergin joins us for a preview.

Speaking with David Furst, she explains why so many people want the job.

"It's really rare to have a citywide vacancy," says Bergin. "And when you look at the path of previous Public Advocates, the last two office-holders have gone on to much higher office. See Bill de Blasio and, of course, Leticia James."