Jenifer Rajkumar, Democratic candidate for NYC Public Advocate’s position, shows winning trends over her immediate rivals. In an online survey of 1,996 respondents, Rajkumar was winning with voters ages 55 plus, strong with voters ages 40-54, and gaining with voters ages 18-39.
Rajkumar is a civil rights lawyer who has authored laws to protect domestic workers, provide the city with the authority to close illegal weed shops, and to implement important environmental regulations. Her campaign focuses on issues of affordability, public safety, and government dysfunction, areas needing attention.
The citywide poll was conducted by United New Yorkers for Progress between May 7 and May 11, 2025. The poll consisted of a survey consisting of questions presented on landline calls and text messages on cell phones.
The sample size of the poll was 1996 with 2.24 percent margin or error. Respondents who answered questions on text messages were self reporting, while the rest answered questions put to them by interviewers on landline.
More than 60 percent of landline respondents were of age 55 plus. Of the total 1996 respondents, 58.2 percent were female and 41.8 percent were male. Age group division showed more than 40 percent ages 66 and above, almost 20 percent between ages 55 and 65, almost 20 percent between ages 40 and 54, and more than 17 percent between ages 18 and 39.
United New Yorkers for Progress is an Independent Expenditure Committee which supports the candidacy of Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar for New York City Public Advocate. Poll respondents were likely Democratic voters. Results showed an encouraging trend towards Rajkumar who seems to be determined to be on the winning path.
Displaying overall leanings of respondents, survey results showed almost 60 percent of the respondents feeling New York City was headed in the wrong direction.
More than 50 percent of voters favored Senator Chuck Schumer. Almost 50 percent favored Governor Kathy Hochul.
Almost 80 percent of respondents said they felt New York City Public Advocate should be an accomplished civil rights lawyer and coalition builder. Almost 50 percent of respondents agreed that it was important to have a woman elected to at least one city office. More than 50 percent agreed that a busy woman can get things done.
A very large number of respondents seemed to agree on the role of NYC Public Advocate. More than 80 percent of respondents said the Public Advocate should be the people’s lawyer, organizer and voice, litigating and speaking up for accountability and building coalitions to make a positive difference.
Survey results also showed more than 50 percent landline respondents and 35 percent cell phone respondents favoring Rajkumar if an election was held now.
Rajkumar is competing with Jumanne Williams. Her race for the Public Advocate’s position also includes former congressional candidate Marty Dolan, computer engineer Theo Chino and former ER physician Calvin Sun.
Rajkumar has a history of legislations she has supported and got passed, including the Diwali school holiday, establishing human rights for domestic workers and leading coalitions combating hate crimes. Her most recent achievement includes introducing the Empire State of Mind Act, a comprehensive bill that creates a right to community mental healthcare.
Rajkumar has already gained strong endorsements from Queens Officials including Council member Robert Holden, State Senator Joseph Addabbo, and Assembly Members David Weprin, Nily Rozic, and Sam Berger, giving her campaign a momentum, and displaying their trust in her ability to deliver results.
Two Indian American lawmakers on Capitol Hill, Reps. Ro Khanna, D-California, and Shri Thanedar, D-Michigan, have expressed support for her candidacy. She is also endorsed by Mayor Sam Joshi of Edison, New Jersey
Other endorsements have come from Melissa Sklarz (D-AD30) representing Woodside, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and Maspeth; Arleny Alvarado-McCalla (D-AD54) representing Cypress Hills, East New York, and Bushwick; and Heriberto Mateo (D-AD54) representing parts of Cypress Hills, East New York, and Bushwick.
The public advocate is a non-voting member of the New York City Council and has the ability to introduce and co-sponsor legislation, oversees city agencies and investigates complaints about municipal services.
Under the city charter, the public advocate would act as mayor if the sitting mayor resigns until a special election can be held.
Rajkumar’s working relationship with Mayor Eric Adams could play a significant role in her campaign.
The primary is scheduled for June 24.
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