In a few weeks, top-funded candidates Councilwomen Shahana Hanif and Maya Kornberg will go head to head in the Democratic primary for NYC Council District 39.

Both candidates tell News 12 the call to run was clear. For Kornberg, she says it was a sense of urgency.

“Democracy is more in danger than at any point it has been since the civil war," said Kornberg.

For Hanif, she says being born and raised in the district makes the mission personal.

“I was a shy girl. I was introverted, but I was very observant. I noticed the dynamics in my neighborhood in Kensington. My vision for the city is one that's rooted in care and joy where nobody's abandoned," said Hanif.

Both candidates tell News 12 affordable housing is their priority.

“Building affordable housing, increasing tenant protections and holding predatory landlords and leasing companies to account and expanding good cause, eviction legislation and rent stabilization are important alongside addressing the affordability crisis for young families like my own," said Kornberg.

Hanif says she's hoping to expand on affordable housing legislation.

“I've been fighting to pass laws that strengthen tenant protections. And one that is going into effect is the Fair Act, which ends force broker fees. District wide, I've had the opportunity to work with and organize with constituents who are at risk of eviction from their apartments, and we have kept fighting," said Hanif.

Kornberg says one of the things she's be most excited to change if elected is improving affordability by investing in our youth.

“We need to double down and increase funding for education. We need to make sure that we're addressing the affordability crisis also by implementing more affordable child care, alongside protecting K-12 education in our public schools,” said Kornberg.

Hanif says she has a track record of progress, and says she's looking to expand what she says are her biggest milestones as councilwoman.

“I’m really proud of having coauthored the New York City Abortion Rights Act after Roe v Wade was repealed, and it expands funding, legal services and protections for abortion access and including for those who are coming to our city from anti-choice states," said Hanif.

The Democratic primaries will be on June 24. District 39 represents parts of Kensington, Borough Park, Windsor Terrace, Park Slope, Gowanus, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, and the Columbia Waterfront.