Today, State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, insurgent candidate for NYC Public Advocate, announces game-changing endorsements from figures across the country-- including United States Congressman Ro Khanna (CA) and Congressman Shri Thanedar (MI)-- as she reports having over a million dollars more cash on hand than incumbent Jumaane Williams.
Rajkumar, the only woman candidate running citywide to qualify for matching funds so far, now has a significant fundraising advantage of $1,228,617 cash on hand. To date, Williams still has not qualified for a matching funds payment.
Amid her fundraising haul and a fiery, five-borough grassroots push to get the decorated civil rights lawyer and Assemblymember on the ballot, Rajkumar’s insurgent campaign has caught the attention of leaders across the City, State, and Nation. Endorsing Rajkumar today includes:
United States Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA)
Member of Congressional Progressive Caucus, Ranking member of the House Armed Services, member of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability
United States Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-MI)
Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Member of House Committee on Agriculture, Board Executive of Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus
Mayor Sam Joshi (D-Edison,NJ)
Youngest and First South Asian Mayor in the City of Edison’s History
District Leader Melissa Sklarz (D-AD30)
Woodside, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Maspeth
District Leader Arleny Alvarado-McCalla (D-AD54)
Cypress Hills, East New York, Bushwick
District Leader Heriberto Mateo (D-AD54)
Cypress Hills, East New York, Bushwick
The elected officials all praised Rajkumar for her tireless work as a unifier with a proven track record of both local and national accomplishments. They recognized her as a national champion of women’s rights, a leading voice against all forms of hate and violence in our country, and a prized fighter for all marginalized communities.
Rajkumar’s endorsements are part of the outpouring of support from across the country for her historic Public Advocate campaign.
U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna said, “Jenifer Rajkumar is the future of the Democratic Party in New York. She has the respect of people nationwide because she has been a fierce advocate for women’s rights, health care, and immigrant communities across the country. Jenifer has spent her career securing human rights and protections for working people, from spearheading the passage of landmark laws for domestic workers to establishing New York State’s first-ever AAPI Commission, ensuring that Asian American voices are heard in government. She made history again by delivering the Diwali School Holiday, a major victory for inclusion and representation. As a leading member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, I am proud to endorse Jenifer for Public Advocate because she gets progressive things done.”
U.S. Congressman Shri Thanedar said, “Jenifer Rajkumar’s work is respected across New York. She has set a gold standard for what it means to be an effective public servant—someone who listens to the concerns of working people and takes real action to improve their lives. Jenifer stands out as a fighter for quality-of-life issues that matter to everyday New Yorkers. I am proud to endorse her to be New York City's next Public Advocate."
Mayor of Edison, New Jersey Sam Joshi said, “As the Mayor of Edison, New Jersey, I recognize the extraordinary leadership of Jenifer Rajkumar—a trailblazer who has shattered barriers and delivered real change for New Yorkers. Jenifer and I share a deep understanding of what it means to make history—not just for ourselves, but for our communities. When she led the movement to make Diwali a public school holiday in New York City, it was a breathtaking achievement that generations had fought for. I was honored to celebrate this momentous victory with her, knowing the profound impact it has on millions of families. She did what no one before her could do—she made it happen. Her work commands respect and admiration, not only from Indian Americans across the U.S., but from all who believe in inclusion, fairness, and good governance.”
