Jenifer Rajkumar has switched up her Comptroller marketing campaign to run for Public Advocate
by way of jeniferforny.com
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Meeting Member Jenifer Rajkumar has formally introduced her candidacy for New York Metropolis Public Advocate, opting out of a earlier bid for Comptroller.
After partaking with 1000’s of residents throughout all 5 boroughs, Rajkumar said she believes it’s ‘crystal clear’ that New Yorkers are fed up with leaders prioritizing excessive activist agendas over the on a regular basis points that matter most.
With the Democratic Main lower than 5 months away, Rajkumar is getting into the race with important momentum. With greater than 4 instances the money in comparison with incumbent Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Rajkumar is anticipated to qualify for over $1 million in public matching funds.
“I am stepping up to be the Public Advocate for the City I love,” she said. “Our City is facing a crisis of governance and can no longer afford the out-of-touch agenda of extremists like Jumaane Williams. 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.”
A graduate of Stanford Regulation Faculty and a passionate civil rights lawyer, Rajkumar has earned a repute as a fierce advocate for her group. She has championed a number of profitable initiatives, together with the SMOKEOUT Act, which shuttered 1000’s of unlawful smoke retailers throughout the state.
She additionally led the home staff’ rights cost, securing a nationally acknowledged legislative victory, and just lately launched The Empire State of Thoughts Act, a complete invoice addressing New York’s psychological well being disaster.
Rajkumar efficiently handed the SMOKEOUT Act final 12 months by way of jeniferforny.com
Rajkumar at the moment represents the thirty eighth Meeting district, which incorporates the neighborhoods of Glendale, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood, and Woodhaven.
In November 2024, she launched a marketing campaign to be New York Metropolis’s subsequent Comptroller in entrance of a coalition of a whole lot of supporters from all 5 boroughs.
She outlined her potential plan to handle urgent points dealing with New Yorkers, together with vows to develop options to handle the 9,000 folks committing nearly all of crimes, crack down on reckless e-bikes, shut the gender wage hole, create a bridge to varsity for highschool graduates, enhance entry to reasonably priced housing and safeguard $270 billion in pension fund belongings for 700,000 present and retired Metropolis staff.
Nevertheless, she is now specializing in a brand new marketing campaign, as she believes the present Public Advocate has ‘failed’ within the position.
“For fifteen years, he has focused on style over substance —supporting divisive policies like ‘defunding the police’ from his predictable rhetorical corner, during a time when public safety is one of the top concerns of New Yorkers,” Rajkumar wrote.
“He has taken positions against abortion rights and marriage equality — policies at odds with New York City’s inclusive values. He proudly flaunts his extremist ties. His focus on publicity stunts, public relations arrests, and slogans has not delivered the results New Yorkers need and deserve.”
Rajkumar believes the present Public Advocate is failing in his position by way of jeniferforny.com
The Public Advocate is a non-voting member of the New York Metropolis Council. They introduce and co-sponsor payments within the Metropolis Council, present oversight for metropolis companies, and examine residents’ complaints about metropolis companies.
Rajkumar made historical past when she grew to become the primary South Asian lady elected to the New York State Workplace, defeating an incumbent by the widest margin of any main challenger. She additionally went on to cross the historic Diwali Faculty Vacation invoice in order that now and eternally, 600,000 New Yorkers can have a good time one in every of their most sacred days of the 12 months with out youngsters lacking faculty.
“In 2025, the politics in our City must change. People are leaving New York City because they have lost faith in its future. We cannot delay a safer, more affordable city because of the ‘holier-than-thou’ and the self-preserved,” she added. “It is time to replace empty leadership with bold leadership rooted in common sense and common ground. The stakes for New Yorkers are too high for anything less.”
Shortly after Rajkumar introduced her candidacy, incumbent Public Advocate Jumaane Williams criticized her relationship with Mayor Eric Adams, suggesting it might be a legal responsibility for her marketing campaign.
“It’s critical that our Public Advocate is a check on the mayor, when necessary — not a rubber stamp,” Williams mentioned.
