Between now and the start of primary voting in June, NY1 will take a closer look at the key issues in the race for mayor. 

This week’s topic is the mayor’s relationship with Albany — because while the mayor may be the face of New York City, the real power to enact major change often sits 100 miles north in the state capital. 

The reality is, whoever becomes mayor will need to spend as much time thinking about the state legislature and the governor’s office as they do City Hall. 

Some of the city’s most pressing issues — congestion pricing, the MTA, bail reform, mayoral control of public schools and red light cameras — are all decided or heavily influenced by Albany. That means the mayor often needs cooperation from state leaders to accomplish their goals. 

And when it comes to funding, Albany holds the purse strings. 

Each year, the city’s mayor travels to the Capitol to testify during state budget season. It’s a ritual that’s become known as “Tin Cup Day” — a nod to the way the mayor must ask, and sometimes plead, for financial support. 

“Every mayor has to go up to Albany, and they’re treated like any other mayor throughout the rest of the state. Which is a really humbling experience at times, especially because the governor of New York has predominant power,” said statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan. 

“The city has very limited functions. They have to go to Albany to ask to change the red light cameras. To control city schools. They can't levy sales tax and change it, so they have to go up to Albany and have a good relationship with the governor,” she added. 

Often, it comes down to the mayor’s personal relationship with the governor. 

In the 1990s, Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Gov. George Pataki, both Republicans, were largely in sync. But a shared party affiliation doesn’t guarantee cooperation. 

Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, both Democrats, had a notoriously strained relationship that created mixed messaging — most notably during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Current Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul have had a more cordial relationship — working together at times, while also keeping some distance. Hochul has said she won’t endorse any candidate in this year’s mayoral race. 

It’s also worth remembering: under the City Charter, the governor holds the power to initiate removal proceedings against the mayor, including suspending them for up to 30 days while charges are reviewed. 

So while candidates for mayor campaign on bold promises, their ability to deliver may depend on how well they play the Albany game. 

We’ll continue our issue-by-issue review of the election in the weeks ahead.