Latest news with #JeniferRajkumar
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Jumaane Williams wins reelection primary as NYC public advocate
NEW YORK — Public Advocate Jumaane Williams handily won Tuesday's Democratic primary, virtually guaranteeing he will be reelected in November for a second term as the city's chief ombudsman. With 31 percent of votes counted, preliminary returns from the New York City Board of Elections had Williams up 72-18 over state Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, who waged an aggressive challenge and slightly outraised the incumbent. That hefty lead prompted NY1 to call the race for the incumbent shortly after the polls closed. Throughout the campaign, Williams found himself bombarded with frequent and sometimes outlandish attacks from Rajkumar, who had initially planned to run for comptroller before dropping down to the public advocate race. The state lawmaker released several cartoons depicting Williams in an unflattering light and falsely claimed the incumbent slept until noon. The latter insult was lifted from New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a frequent foe of Williams and close ally of Rajkumar. The public advocate has few official functions and has traditionally served as a stepping stone to higher office. Officeholders can introduce legislation in the City Council and serve as a check on the executive branch through the bully pulpit.
New York Times
25-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Jumaane Williams Wins Democratic Primary for Public Advocate
Jumaane Williams, the progressive organizer who as New York City's public advocate emerged as one of the most prominent critics of Mayor Eric Adams, handily won the Democratic primary for the office on Tuesday, according to The Associated Press. Mr. Williams, 48, faced a challenge from Jenifer Rajkumar, 42, a state assemblywoman from Queens and an ally of the mayor, and Marty Dolan, 67, a former insurance executive. Both argued that Mr. Williams was too left-leaning to effectively hold the office. And as the Democratic mayoral primary narrowed to a two-man race between the moderate former governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the progressive state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, Mr. Williams's opponents sought to portray him as a would-be adversary of Mr. Cuomo's who could impede the city's progress. The public advocate race grew contentious in its final weeks, with Ms. Rajkumar distributing political cartoons and campaign mailers painting the incumbent as lazy and hostile to women. Mr. Williams rejected her claims. But Mr. Williams, who trailed Ms. Rajkumar in fund-raising by about $100,000, easily bested his opponents through heavy advertising and name recognition. In one of his advertisements on Instagram, he underlined his ability to stand up to both Mr. Adams and President Trump, saying the city needed a 'strong, independent public advocate to stand up — not just stand by.' Mr. Williams has emerged as one of the highest-ranking progressive Democrats in city leadership since taking office after a special election in 2019. He previously served on the City Council, and in 2022, he challenged Kathy Hochul in the governor's race. A self-proclaimed 'activist elected official,' Mr. Williams has been arrested more than a dozen times at protests, including while demonstrating in favor of tenants' rights and against deportations. He is one of Mr. Adams's loudest critics. As the mayor stared down a federal corruption indictment last fall, Mr. Williams said the city was rudderless under his leadership. And as Governor Hochul weighed removing the mayor over his perceived quid pro quo with the Trump administration to drop the charges, Mr. Williams, who as public advocate is first in the line of succession to the mayor, made plans to take the helm in City Hall. The public advocate serves as a city watchdog, helping New Yorkers navigate issues with government and services. The position offers a bully pulpit and has often been considered a springboard to higher office; former Mayor Bill de Blasio and the state attorney general, Letitia James, have both held the post. Mr. Williams also weighed in on the mayoral primary as he campaigned for re-election. In late May, he endorsed a slate of progressive candidates that included Mr. Mamdani; Brad Lander, the city comptroller; and Adrienne Adams, the City Council speaker. He expressed concerns about Mr. Cuomo's candidacy and said that he would not be ranking the former governor on his ballot. Mr. Williams will face a slate of independent candidates in the general election. Mr. Dolan is expected to also run as an independent.
New York Times
20-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Will This Race Produce an Ally or Adversary for the Next New York Mayor?
The heated Democratic mayoral primary in New York City has been engulfed by ideological arguments over the city's management and the leadership vacuum among national Democrats. Similar issues are animating the party's race for public advocate, an office that serves as a kind of municipal government watchdog. The incumbent, Jumaane Williams, is being challenged by Jenifer Rajkumar, a state assemblywoman from Queens, and Marty Dolan, a retired insurance executive. Mr. Williams, who is supported by leading Democratic officials and organizations, has focused much of his message on how he plans to use the office to make New York more affordable. He has also vowed to ward off the threat of President Trump's anti-immigration policies, especially given Mayor Eric Adams's perceived cooperation with those efforts. An Emerson College survey last month showed Mr. Williams more than 40 points ahead of his two challengers, with roughly 15 percent of voters still undecided. As a heavy underdog, Ms. Rajkumar, his main rival, has gone into attack mode. While she has discussed her plans for how she would use the office, she has also questioned Mr. Williams's progressive views and whether they match the city's current political mood. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
This is how much money the NYC Public Advocate makes
NEW YORK CITY (PIX11)— With the primary election looming just weeks away, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams and New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar faced off in a debate on PIX11 News Thursday. Williams, the incumbent, has held his position since 2019 and currently receives a salary of $184,800, according to open data sourcing. More Local News Before taxes, that breaks down to approximately: $15,333.33 monthly $3,553.84 weekly $519.10 per day 'The Public Advocate represents the consumers of City services,' the NYC Green Book website reads. 'He reviews and investigates complaints about City services, assesses whether agencies are responsive to the public, and recommends improvements in agency programs and complaint handling procedures; He serves as [impartial mediator], or go-between, for individuals who are having trouble getting the service, help or answers they need from City agencies; He monitors the effectiveness of the City's public information and education Public Advocate has the right to participate in the discussions of the City Council, is an ex officio member of all Council committees, and can sponsor local legislation.' The Public Advocate is one of three officials elected by the majority of the city's voters. The other two positions are the Mayor of New York City and the city comptroller. Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Williams, Rajkumar face off in public advocate debate on PIX11
NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) — Public advocate candidates will take the debate stage tonight to answer key questions about their campaigns, mayoral accountability and affordability. The live, 60-minute debate starts at 7 p.m. and airs across multiple platforms, including WPIX11.1, PIX11+ and Incumbent Jumaane Williams will take on state Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, both fighting for your vote in the Democratic primary. More News: NY Elections Exclusive polling from PIX11, Emerson College and The Hill in May showed Williams is likely to keep his job with 56% of first-choice votes. Rajkumar is expected to get 15% of first-choice votes. To learn more about the Campaign Finance Board's candidate debate participation criteria, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
