It's a crowded race for the next mayor of New York City. With the Democratic primary elections less than one month away, News 12 sat down with candidate Scott Stringer.

Stringer was born and raised in Washington Heights. He served nearly 30 years in public office as a state Assemblyman, Manhattan borough president and most recently as the city's comptroller.

"I have the experience, the competence and a vision for what this city can be," said Stringer.

Stringer's vision includes tri-share child care, adding police officers to every subway car and wrap-around services for people with mental health issues.

"We want to create a safe environment on the trains, we want community policing, but that's not enough, we have got to align policing with a serious mental health initiative. I want to take that overtime we are spending and drive it to the biggest and best mental health initiative the city has ever seen. More mental health workers, more housing that meets wrap-around services," said Stringer.

His campaign also focuses on building a new generation of affordable housing.

"I've identified 1,000 vacant lots that the city owns that can be turned into affordable housing...we should also build housing that is about neighborhoods, people who live in NYCHA, that live in Mitchell-lama houses, they didn't just exist in these houses. They built schools and daycares, why can't we do that? That's how New York gets reborn,” Stringer said.

Undeterred by an unsuccessful mayoral run in 2021, the father of two is back saying that defeat only prepared him for a stronger candidacy.

"Sometimes the lessons you learn are not from your success but the challenges you face. I think this time I am a stronger and better candidate," said Stringer. "I think people who want someone who understands the finances of the city, they want someone who knows what can be done on their behalf and what can't be done."

When asked how he plans to work with the Trump administration, in regard to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement crackdowns, Stringer responded, "This is a very dangerous situation for so many Americans and New Yorkers. As mayor, we are going to do everything legally to prevent snatching kids off the streets, college students off the streets. We are better than that.

Stringer continued, “I am going to use my financial expertise, when Trump wants to take money out of the budget - which he did, $80 million - that we are working with the banks, the city agencies, understanding our budget codes. We have to do everything we can to thwart Trump, especially in the short term...Experience matters now. It's not a time to promise the world when you know you can't accomplish anything."

The Democratic primary election is June 24.