The weird public advocate race between Jumaane Williams (D) and Jenifer Rajkumar (D)
No matter how you slice it, the reality of the New York City public advocate Democratic primary is that the only publicly available independent poll thus far has Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar getting 6% compared to incumbent Jumaane Williams’ 51%.
That poll came out in April – as Rajkumar is quick to point out – eons before primary voters are thinking about who should be the next public advocate and long before either candidate is running ads on TV. Rajkumar also said internal polling showed she was much better positioned, but her campaign failed to produce its poll in full for review.
A more recent poll paid for by a pro-Rajkumar independent expenditure committee with overtly pro-Rajkumar questions also did not show Rajkumar coming close to winning. Williams was still ahead by about 11 points, with roughly 18% undecided.
Pretty much anyone you ask in New York politics will call this race a long shot for Rajkumar – despite the fact that she was leading Williams in fundraising as of the last filing deadline in mid-March, and she’s known as a tireless campaigner. These are two very different elected officials: Williams, the Black, lefty, activist incumbent from Brooklyn; and Rajkumar, the South Asian, striving, moderate Assembly member from Queens. At the same time, they share some qualities essential to the largely ceremonial role: Both have a flair for theatrics (albeit, in different styles). They also share intense ambition that has led them to set their sights on a position that has launched two prior occupants to higher office – Williams has run for governor and lieutenant governor, while Rajkumar moved across the city to finally win her third campaign for legislative office. What we’re left with is an out of the spotlight, lopsided and weirdly acrimonious race with plenty of mudslinging and millions in campaign cash.
https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2025/05/weird-public-advocate-race-between-jumaane-williams-and-jenifer-rajkumar/405509/?oref=csny-category-lander-featured-river