A broad coalition of leaders from Queens has come forward to endorse New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar in her bid to become New York City’s next Public Advocate.
On February 3, 2025, several prominent elected officials announced their support for Rajkumar, highlighting her record of community service and legislative achievements. The endorsements came from State Senator Joseph Addabbo (D-SD 15), whose district encompasses neighborhoods such as Lindenwood, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village, Rego Park, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill, South Richmond Hill, and South Ozone Park.
Assemblyman David Weprin (D-AD 24), who represents Richmond Hill as well as portions of Briarwood, Jamaica Estates, Jamaica Hills, Hollis, and Oakland Gardens, also threw his support behind Rajkumar. Joining him was Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-AD 25), whose district covers Flushing, Queensboro Hill, Hillcrest, Fresh Meadows, Oakland Gardens, Bayside, and Douglaston.
Assemblyman Sam Berger (D-AD 27) endorsed Rajkumar as well. His district includes Pomonok, Electchester, Kew Gardens Hills, College Point, and Whitestone. City Councilman Robert Holden (D-CD 30), whose district covers Maspeth, Middle Village, and parts of Glendale, Ridgewood, Elmhurst, and Rego Park, also publicly supported Rajkumar’s campaign.
In a statement released by Rajkumar’s office, the officials praised her for her leadership and accomplishments, both at the community level and citywide.
“They recognized her as a champion of public safety, a leading voice against anti-Semitism and all forms of hate, and a common-sense problem solver tackling the biggest quality of life issues New Yorkers face today,” the press release stated. Additionally, the officials drew a sharp contrast between Rajkumar and the current Public Advocate, Jumaane Williams.
Councilman Holden was particularly critical of Williams’ performance, saying, “Jumaane Williams is no advocate—he spends his time tweeting, grandstanding, and attending protests while his office remains closed and inaccessible to the public.”
Holden further praised Rajkumar’s approach, stating that she is dedicated to “real constituent services and common sense legislation,” and emphasized that she would restore the Public Advocate’s office to its intended role. “She will finally use the office as intended—to serve the people, not play politics. In a time of chaos, Jenifer stands out as the leader we need. I’m proud to endorse her in the Democratic primary,” he said.
State Senator Addabbo also endorsed Rajkumar, commending her for prioritizing “results over ideology, and coalition building over division.”
Assemblyman Weprin highlighted Rajkumar’s tireless advocacy, saying, “Jenifer’s energy and vision for Public Advocate are exactly what New York needs to tackle the unprecedented challenges we face today. New Yorkers know the real thing when we see it, and we have seen Jenifer’s indefatigable omnipresence coming to the aid of every community in the Five Boroughs.”
Weprin also pointed to her legislative successes in Albany. “In Albany, we have seen her passion and dedication to score some of the biggest legislative victories. From making history by passing the Diwali School Holiday bill to the SMOKEOUT Act that ended New Yorkers’ number one quality of life issue in a matter of months, Jenifer has proven herself to be responsive to people’s needs and fearless in taking on every challenge,” he said.
Assemblywoman Rozic also praised Rajkumar’s leadership abilities, stating, “New Yorkers need creative problem solvers like Jenifer Rajkumar. Jenifer is a natural leader who knows how to build diverse coalitions that get things done, which is why she’s my pick for Public Advocate.”
Assemblyman Berger echoed those sentiments, describing Rajkumar as “the right choice for our families, our neighbors, and our communities who are concerned about public safety and the rising tide of hate crimes.”
Rajkumar’s campaign for Public Advocate has gained momentum with these key endorsements, positioning her as a strong contender in the upcoming race.