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Jenifer Rajkumar gains ground in NYC Public Advocate race: Poll
Despite Rajkumar’s surge, incumbent Williams maintains a lead heading into the June 25 Democratic primary.
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Malvika Choudhary - Tue, 20, May 2025
- 15:40 EDT
- 12
Jenifer Rajkumar / File Photo
New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar is gaining significant traction in the 2025 New York City Public Advocate race, a recent poll indicated.
The citywide survey, conducted by United New Yorkers for Progress between May 7 and May 11 among 1,996 likely Democratic voters, shows Rajkumar securing 35.2 percent of support.
Incumbent Jumaane Williams continues to lead with 46.6 percent, while 18.2 percent of voters remain undecided.
Also Read: Rep. Khanna backs Jenifer Rajkumar for NYC Public Advocate
Rajkumar’s support appears to be growing across age groups, with particularly strong backing among voters aged 55 and older, and increasing traction among younger voters. The poll found that 79.8 percent of respondents prefer a Public Advocate with a background in civil rights law and coalition building over one focused primarily on protest politics.
BREAKING: New poll shows us surging fast in the race to unseat a citywide incumbent — something that hasn’t happened in 30 years.
— Jenifer Rajkumar (@JeniferRajkumar) May 19, 2025
But NYC is in crisis. Sometimes, it’s just time for a change.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” — Mandelahttps://t.co/f6UpcZDteU
Additionally, 82.8 percent view the office as a “people’s lawyer” and a watchdog for government accountability—principles closely associated with Rajkumar’s legislative profile.
Gender representation is also playing a role in voter sentiment. A majority—57.8 percent —of respondents said it is important to elect a woman to at least one citywide office, while 55.2 percent agreed with the statement, “If you want something done, give it to a busy woman.” These perspectives appear to be contributing to Rajkumar’s rising appeal.
Rajkumar, the first Indian-American woman elected to state office in New York, has a background in civil rights advocacy and has championed laws on domestic worker protections, hate crime prevention, and community policing.
She also led the creation of the state’s first Asian American & Pacific Islander Commission. Her campaign has attracted endorsements from figures such as U.S. Representatives Ro Khanna and Shri Thanedar, along with several New York City district leaders.
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