These Candidates Hope To Claim Jumaane Williams City Council Seat

FLATBUSH, BROOKLYN -- A special election will decide who replaces Brooklyn city councilman Jumaane Williams, chosen this week to be the city's Public Advocate, and a slew of candidates have thrown their hats into the ring even before Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the date of yet another special election.

Williams' Deputy Chief Farah Louis, Brooklyn activists Anthony Beckford, and Flatbush youth organization founder Monique Waterman, to name a few, have officially announced their intention to represent District 45, which covers Flatbush, Midwood and Canarsie.

Several others, such as FlatbushGirl social media icon Esther Adina Miles Sash, architect Louis Cespedes and Anthony Alexis may also consider runs, according to Kings County Politics reports.

Before you make up your mind and get ready to cast your ballot, here's what you need to know about the official candidates' platforms, backgrounds and endorsements.

Farah Louis

Background: Louis has been serving as Williams' deputy chief of staff but also worked as a communications representative for Bill de Blasio (when he was public advocate), state Sen. Kevin Parker and Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte.

Platform: As deputy chief-of-staff, Louis said she placed her focus on anti-gun violence, immigration, and education. She also founded a nonprofit Girls Leading Up, Inc, which supports young women interested in civil engagement.

Endorsements: Louis has earned a powerful endorsement from Flatbush assemblywoman Bichotte, which Kings County Politics reports places Louis as a frontrunner in the race.

Anthony Beckford

Background: Beckford is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and community activist who focuses on gun violence, mental health and housing concerns in central Brooklyn. He leads the Brooklyn sector of the Copwatch Patrol Unit, a group that documents police interactions, and serves as the president and co-founder of Black Lives Matter Brooklyn.

Platform: Beckford promises to continue his community work, which thus far has focused on affordable housing, immigration rights, women's rights, LGBTQ rights and police accountability.

Endorsements: Beckford has not yet listed endorsements on his website.

Xamayla Rose

Background: Rose says it was the gang murder of her brother Christopher in 2005 that spurred her to become an activist and launch her youth nonprofit, the Christopher Rose Community Empowerment Campaign. She has also chaired Community Board 17's education committee and served with the Ernest Skinner Political Association, Brooklyn Perinatal Network and Brooklyn Hospital Center Foundation

Platform: Rose hasn't posted a campaign platform but her past work has a strong focus on youth services.

Endorsements: Rose has not yet listed endorsements on her website.

Monique Waterman

Background: Waterman is the founder of East Flatbush Inc., a company that provides services to kids in central Brooklyn. She has also served as president of the East 29th Street Block Association, on Brooklyn Community Board 17's youth committee, and as a civilian advisor for the NYPD 67th Precinct. In 2012, Waterman was Williams' director of community outreach.

Platform: Waterman's platform prioritizes supportive school programs to promote education equality, improving accessibility to affordable housing, anti-gun violence initiatives and mental health.

Endorsements: Chandler-Waterman has not yet listed any endorsements on her website.