New York Legislator Set to Disrupt Citywide Contest for Public Advocate
Jenifer Rajkumar, initially intending to run for an available comptroller position, has decided to challenge the current officeholder, Jumaane Williams, instead.
TroibNews 
NEW YORK — State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar is set to challenge incumbent Jumaane Williams for the position of New York City public advocate, a role that Williams has occupied since 2019 as a representative of the far-left.
Originally running for city comptroller—a more influential position that will become available this year—Rajkumar is expected to announce her switch to the public advocate race soon, according to two individuals familiar with her plans, as reported by PMG.
This shift means that Williams may contend with a vigorous and well-funded opponent in Rajkumar, who is closely aligned with Mayor Eric Adams. This connection, once seen as an advantage for Williams, is potentially becoming a liability as the indicted mayor's approval ratings decline. Williams has largely coasted toward reelection with minimal competition.
As a centrist Democrat, Rajkumar is one of Adams’ key supporters in the state Legislature and frequently attends his public events, which are often far from her home district in central Queens.
When asked about the possibility of her changing races last week, she did not clarify but stated, “I am running for comptroller. Any campaign announcements I ever have, you’ll be the first to know.”
According to the two individuals familiar with her plans, Rajkumar will announce her candidacy for public advocate on Monday.
She had initially intended to run for public advocate last year, but pivoted to the comptroller race after incumbent Brad Lander declared his campaign for mayor, thereby creating an opportunity.
In that comptroller race, she faced tough competition and was out-fundraised by both Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and City Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan. Citywide primaries are scheduled for June 24.
Despite the challenging race ahead, Rajkumar has over $275,000 in campaign funds, significantly more than Williams, who currently has $69,000. Nevertheless, Williams is a well-known incumbent with extensive name recognition from previous statewide runs for lieutenant governor and governor, complicating Rajkumar's bid.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
Originally running for city comptroller—a more influential position that will become available this year—Rajkumar is expected to announce her switch to the public advocate race soon, according to two individuals familiar with her plans, as reported by PMG.
This shift means that Williams may contend with a vigorous and well-funded opponent in Rajkumar, who is closely aligned with Mayor Eric Adams. This connection, once seen as an advantage for Williams, is potentially becoming a liability as the indicted mayor's approval ratings decline. Williams has largely coasted toward reelection with minimal competition.
As a centrist Democrat, Rajkumar is one of Adams’ key supporters in the state Legislature and frequently attends his public events, which are often far from her home district in central Queens.
When asked about the possibility of her changing races last week, she did not clarify but stated, “I am running for comptroller. Any campaign announcements I ever have, you’ll be the first to know.”
According to the two individuals familiar with her plans, Rajkumar will announce her candidacy for public advocate on Monday.
She had initially intended to run for public advocate last year, but pivoted to the comptroller race after incumbent Brad Lander declared his campaign for mayor, thereby creating an opportunity.
In that comptroller race, she faced tough competition and was out-fundraised by both Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and City Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan. Citywide primaries are scheduled for June 24.
Despite the challenging race ahead, Rajkumar has over $275,000 in campaign funds, significantly more than Williams, who currently has $69,000. Nevertheless, Williams is a well-known incumbent with extensive name recognition from previous statewide runs for lieutenant governor and governor, complicating Rajkumar's bid.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
