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Jenifer Rajkumar announces candidacy for New York City Public Advocate
“It is time to replace empty leadership with bold leadership rooted in common sense and common ground,” she stated.
New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. / Facebook
New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar has officially entered the race for New York City Public Advocate, promising a shift from "extremism and incompetence" to pragmatic, action-oriented leadership.
In a post on X, Rajkumar stated, "Today, I am proud to announce my candidacy for New York City Public Advocate. Our city deserves better than extremism and incompetence. We deserve real and tested leadership that focuses on the things we all care about – public safety, affordable rent, and a high quality of life."
I am deeply humbled by the overwhelming support as I announce my campaign for NYC Public Advocate.
— Jenifer Rajkumar (@JeniferRajkumar) January 27, 2025
Read my vision for a new era of public service in my op-ed:
⁰"A New Brand of Public Service: Why I’m Running for Public Advocate"⁰https://t.co/L3l6WVF5Wh pic.twitter.com/KTsZOjhRQ1
The Public Advocate serves as a non-voting member of the New York City Council, with the power to introduce and co-sponsor legislation. They also act as an ombudsman for city government, providing oversight for city agencies, investigating complaints about city services, and proposing solutions for identified shortcomings.
Rajkumar, who represents District 38 in the New York State Assembly, detailed her reasons for running in an op-ed for City and State New York, titled "A New Brand of Public Service: Why I’m Running for Public Advocate."
She expressed deep concern over what she described as the current state of the city government, citing ongoing violence, affordability issues, and a lack of leadership. “We need fresh, new leadership that focuses on realistic solutions over lifeless ideology and on decisive action over performative rhetoric,” Rajkumar wrote.
She continued, “We need to bring a new standard of excellence to government, where inadequacy is a choice, not the status quo. It is time to take our City back from the extremists and the incompetents.”
In her op-ed, Rajkumar also listed several issues she plans to address if elected, including the affordability crisis, public safety, housing, homelessness, and the mental health crisis. “Anything less is unacceptable,” she said, adding that her life’s work has been dedicated to uplifting vulnerable and voiceless communities. She highlighted her experience as a lawyer, legislator, and advocate, mentioning her work on legislation such as making Diwali a school holiday and passing laws to protect domestic workers’ rights.
Rajkumar also criticized the current Public Advocate, Jumaane Williams, for his focus on “style over substance” and divisive policies that, according to her, have not adequately addressed the concerns of New Yorkers. “For 15 years, he has focused on style over substance—supporting divisive policies like ‘defunding the police’ during a time when public safety is one of the top concerns of New Yorkers,” she wrote. “It is time to replace empty leadership with bold leadership rooted in common sense and common ground.”
Rajkumar, who withdrew from the race for city comptroller earlier, is now focusing her efforts on becoming the next Public Advocate, a role she believes is essential to restoring hope and ensuring that New York City is a place where upward mobility remains possible for all. “It is time for leadership that acts with urgency every day,” she concluded.
Rajkumar’s campaign marks a significant moment in the 2025 election cycle, as she vows to bring practical, community-focused change to city politics.
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