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Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar launches NYC Comptroller campaign
Rajkumar, a close ally of Mayor Eric Adams, announced her candidacy Aug.13 by unveiling a campaign website and a video outlining her vision for the office.
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Jenifer Rajkumar / Image- jeniferforny
Queens Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar has officially launched her campaign for the New York City Comptroller race, positioning herself as a strong candidate dedicated to fiscal responsibility and government efficiency.
Rajkumar, a close ally of Mayor Eric Adams, announced her candidacy Aug.13 by unveiling a campaign website and a video outlining her vision for the office.
As Comptroller, Rajkumar said she would be committed to fighting for New Yorkers who struggle to afford essential services like healthcare and education. "I’m in it for the New Yorkers who toil 25 hours a day, eight days a week and can’t afford life-saving health care or quality education,” Rajkumar said in her campaign video.
The New Yorkers I admire are the strivers, all of us who have built something out of nothing.
— Jenifer Rajkumar (@JeniferRajkumar) August 12, 2024
My name is Jenifer Rajkumar & every win I’ve ever had has been against all odds.
Now, I am running to be the 46th Comptroller of New York City. Together, we will make government work. pic.twitter.com/9ygnkYcKJS
The Indian American attorney highlighted her experience in taking on corporate interests and saving taxpayer dollars as a key qualification for the comptroller role. She has also served as a City University of New York (CUNY) professor.
Rajkumar, the first South Asian woman elected to state office in New York, emphasized her track record of fighting for her constituents. "As a lawyer, I've locked horns with big pharma and corporate greed, saving millions in taxpayer dollars," she said in her announcement. She also pointed to her legislative successes, including leading the fight to protect domestic workers and authoring the Smoke Out Act to close illegal smoke shops.
One of her most notable accomplishments was making Diwali a public school holiday, a historic victory she cites as evidence of her dedication to ensuring all New Yorkers are represented and respected. "As your comptroller, I'll use my experience and perseverance to make New York affordable for everyone," Rajkumar stated.
The comptroller race is expected to be closely watched, especially with Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine also eyeing the position. Rajkumar's ties to Mayor Adams have raised questions among some government veterans about her ability to serve as an independent fiscal watchdog. However, Rajkumar defended her relationship with the Mayor, asserting that cooperation is crucial for effective governance.
Mayor Adams, while refraining from an outright endorsement, expressed his approval of Rajkumar's record as a legislator during a press conference at City Hall on Aug.14. “Those who want to come can come,” Adams remarked when asked about Rajkumar's frequent appearances alongside him.
As the campaign progresses, financial support will be critical. Rajkumar's initial fundraising efforts have shown limited results, with early reports indicating a negative balance in her comptroller campaign account. In contrast, Levine's campaign is already well-funded, bolstered by transfers from his Manhattan borough president account.
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