NEW YORK (AP) - New York City voters will get to choose their next public advocate in a special election Feb. 26.

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the date Saturday. Current Public Advocate Tish James, a Democrat, is leaving the office after being elected state attorney general in November.

Public advocate is considered the city's second-highest elected office - and a potential steppingstone to the highest one. De Blasio, also a Democrat, was the public advocate before being elected mayor in 2013.

The public advocate is first in line to succeed the mayor during absences and can look into and spotlight citywide issues.

A roster of city and state politicians, activists and others have declared or are considering candidacies in the upcoming election. They include Democrats and Republicans.