NEW YORK - Manhattan Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez is joining the crowded field in the race for Public Advocate.

Rodriguez represents the 10th District which includes Washington Heights, Inwood, and Marble Hill.

The office of Public Advocate will become vacant in January, when Letitia James is sworn in as State Attorney General.

A special election will be held, but a date has not been announced.

Rodriguez says he's up for the challenge.

"Our numbers are there, we are ready to go after every single voter, I want to be be the public advocate for all New Yorkers and I am ready to win this race," he added.

The other candidates running for Public Advocate are Councilmen Eric Ulrich, Jumaane Williams, and Rafael Espinal, former City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and Assemblyman Michael Blake.