Jenifer Rajkumar, a 41-year-old Indian-American Democrat from Queens, has formally introduced her candidacy for the place of New York Metropolis Comptroller. The New York State Assemblywoman made the announcement by a marketing campaign video and the launch of her marketing campaign web site. Within the video posted on X, she shared that her mom was born in a mud hut in India and that her dad and mom got here to New York with simply $300 and a suitcase.
Rajkumar, the primary Punjabi-American elected to statewide workplace in New YorkShe is an in depth ally of Mayor Eric Adams. She is understood for her signature pink gown and her frequent appearances alongside Mayor Adams.
Rajkumar emphasised his dedication to enhancing the lives of New Yorkers.
“I am right here to face up for New Yorkers who work 25 hours a day, eight days every week, and might’t afford life-saving well being care or a top quality training. Authorities inefficiency prices lives. As Comptroller, I will arise for the folks of this metropolis. I am going to verify each tax greenback advantages the taxpayer. I am right here to repair this,” she stated in her marketing campaign video posted on X.
The Comptroller is the chief monetary officer of New York Metropolis and is answerable for its fiscal well being.
OTHER CONTENDERS FOR NEW YORK COMPTROLLER’S POSITION
Rajkumar’s bid for comptroller comes as incumbent Brad Lander prepares to problem Mayor Adams within the 2025 Democratic mayoral main.
He’s anticipated to face competitors from Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, who has expressed curiosity within the put up.
“I am pleased with my very own document, of getting helped town get by COVID, of getting handed the precise to counsel for tenants going through eviction, of getting actually been a daring voice on reasonably priced housing, now as borough president, and I will proceed to guide New Yorkers,” Levine stated, as quoted by the New York Put up.
Metropolis Council Finance Committee Chairman Justin Brannan can be rumored to have an interest within the place. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso can be rumored to have an interest within the place, however has determined to hunt re-election as Borough President.
In the meantime, Manhattan Metropolis Councilman Keith Powers has introduced his intention to run for borough president.
JENNIFER’S APPROACH TO THE CONTROLLER ROLE
Rajkumar’s shut relationship with Mayor Adams has raised questions on how he would method the position of comptroller, historically seen as a foil to the mayor.
Nonetheless, he pressured his dedication to collaboration and enhancing authorities effectivity.
“I am on the bottom with folks in each nook of this metropolis and I hear firsthand how authorities is working and the way it’s not working for them,” she stated. “Collectively, we’ll implement ‘folks’s audits’ of metropolis authorities.”
Major elections for the comptroller place are scheduled for June 2025.