Seventeen contenders are vying for the position of city Public Advocate, left open after Letitia James took on the role as State Attorney General.

"Mornings on 1" has reached out to all of the candidates who qualified for the NY1 Public Advocate debate.

Appearing on Friday's show was Eric Ulrich.

He's been on the City Council since 2009 when he notably won as a Republican candidate in a traditionally Democratic district in Queens.

For Public Advocate, he's running on the "common sense" party line.

NY1's first Public Advocate debate is February 6th at the CUNY Television Studios in conjunction with the city’s Campaign Finance Board, Politico New York, and several other co-sponsors.

The second is on February 20.

The Special Election for Public Advocate is Tuesday, February 26.