NY State Assemblywoman Rajkumar enters race for NYC Public Advocate

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New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, the only Indian American in Albany, threw her hat into the race for New York City Public Advocate January 27, 2025. Rajkumar switched from her earlier bid for NYC Comptroller which she announced last August, a race that had several contenders, to Public Advocate, which at the moment is fielding just one opponent.

In a press release, she said she made the decision after meeting with thousands of residents across all five boroughs.

“New Yorkers are sick and tired of their elected leaders behaving like extreme activists and ignoring the kitchen table issues we all care about,” the press release says. Among her accomplishments, Rajkumar lists -cracking down on   illegal smoke shops, and combating hate and discrimination,

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“I am stepping up to be the Public Advocate for the City I love” said Rajkumar. “Our City is facing a crisis of governance and can no longer afford the out-of-touch agenda of extremists like Jumaane Williams,” Rajkumar said directly attacking her opponent in the race.

“Instead, we need proven fighters who will focus on the issues that all New Yorkers care about. From attacking the cost-of-living crisis to restoring public safety on our streets and on our subways, I’m excited to bring bold, results-driven leadership to our City.”

Rajkumar has a tough fight ahead with less than 150 days until the Democratic Primary. But her campaign maintains she is entering the race “in an extremely strong position.”

Williams is a popular candidate as he is running for re-election, and Rajkumar may face an uphill battle, even if she has more cash at the moment, some observers have noted in news reports. Queens Eagle reported that Williams issued a statement in response to Rajkumar’s announcement, that flaunted his new endorsements including from Borough President Donovan Richards and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. Williams has served as Public Advocate since 2019, prior to which he served on the New York City Council from 2009-2019, representing Brooklyn.

“With over 4 times as much cash-on-hand as the incumbent Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Assemblymember Rajkumar is already expected to qualify for over $1,000,000 in public matching funds,” the Indian American candidate’s campaign said.

A Stanford Law graduate and civil rights attorney, Rajkumar has has some significant legislative victories to own, “from passing the SMOKEOUT Act that closed thousands of illegal smoke shops across the state” to another legislative win granting domestic workers human rights. She recently introduced a bill to deal with New York’s mental health crisis, The Empire State of Mind Act.

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