State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar is gearing up to challenge incumbent Jumaane Williams for the role of New York City Public Advocate, a key watchdog position that Williams, a prominent progressive, has held since 2019. This bold move could shake up the race, as Rajkumar brings a centrist platform and the backing of significant allies, including a close association with embattled Mayor Eric Adams.
Originally planning to run for city comptroller, Rajkumar is expected to shift her focus to the public advocate race. Her candidacy poses a serious challenge to Williams, who has faced minimal opposition in past elections. As Adams faces declining poll numbers and legal troubles, Rajkumar’s strong ties to him could be both an asset and a liability in her campaign.
A centrist Democrat and one of Adams’ closest allies in the state Legislature, Rajkumar frequently appears at his events, even outside her central Queens district. Her potential to run a well-funded and energetic campaign introduces new dynamics to the race for public advocate, setting the stage for a heated contest.
Curious about Jenifer Rajkumar? Read on to learn more about her career, accomplishments, and vision for New York City.
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Who Is Jenifer Rajkumar?
Jenifer Rajkumar (age 41 years), born September 1, 1982, is an American politician, attorney, and advocate who serves as a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 38th District, which includes parts of Queens, New York. She is a member of the Democratic Party and has been a trailblazer in public service, known for her dedication to immigrant rights, social justice, and community empowerment.
Jenifer Rajkumar was born and raised in New York City, a vibrant and diverse metropolis that has deeply influenced her life and career. Growing up in the bustling communities of Queens, she developed a strong connection to the people and cultures that define the area, which now plays a central role in her work as a public servant.
Rajkumar is a proud Indian-American, the daughter of immigrants who came to the United States from India in pursuit of a better life. Her parents’ journey instilled in her the values of hard work, perseverance, and gratitude for the opportunities America provides. Their story of resilience and determination continues to shape her mission to advocate for immigrant communities and fight for equal opportunities for all.
Rajkumar earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Government from Stanford University, graduating with honors, where she laid the foundation for her career in public policy and advocacy. She later achieved a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Yale Law School, one of the nation’s most prestigious legal institutions, further honing her skills as a lawyer and advocate for justice. These accomplishments highlight her dedication to using her education to create meaningful change in the lives of others.
Jenifer Rajkumar’s Complete Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jenifer Rajkumar |
| Date of Birth | September 1, 1982 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, USA |
| Age | 42 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Indian-American |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Education | – Bachelor’s Degree in Government, Stanford University (with honors) |
| – Juris Doctor (J.D.), Yale Law School | |
| Profession | Politician, Attorney, Professor |
| Political Party | Democratic Party |
| Current Role | New York State Assembly Member for the 38th District |
| Previous Roles | – Director of Immigration Affairs, New York Department of State |
| – Civil rights attorney | |
| – Adjunct professor, Lehman College (CUNY) | |
| First South Asian Elected | First South Asian-American woman elected to the New York State Legislature |
| Key Policy Focus | – Immigrant Rights |
| – Women’s Empowerment | |
| – Public Safety | |
| – Community Development | |
| Major Achievements | – Championed domestic worker protections under NY Human Rights Law |
| – Established New York State’s first Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission | |
| – Advocated for affordable housing and education reform | |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $2 million (2025) |
| Languages | English, Hindi |
| Social Media | – Twitter: @JeniferRajkumar |
| – Instagram: @jeniferrajkumar |
Career Highlights
Before entering politics, Rajkumar worked as a civil rights attorney. She focused on fighting for marginalized communities, including immigrants and workers, and advocating for equality and justice through legal channels.
Political Career
In 2020, Jenifer Rajkumar was elected to the New York State Assembly, becoming the first South Asian woman ever elected to the New York State Legislature. This historic achievement marked a milestone for representation in government.
As an Assemblywoman, Rajkumar represents the 38th District, which encompasses parts of Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, Ozone Park, and Glendale in Queens.
Rajkumar has been a vocal advocate for policies that uplift underrepresented communities. Her priorities include:
- Immigrant Rights: Advocating for the rights and dignity of immigrants, reflecting her own family’s journey as Indian immigrants in America.
- Women’s Empowerment: Supporting initiatives that promote gender equality and economic opportunities for women.
- Education: Working to improve public education and increase access to affordable higher education.
- Healthcare: Supporting expanded access to affordable healthcare for all New Yorkers.
- Community Engagement: Championing local initiatives to address housing, infrastructure, and economic development in her district.
Throughout her career, Rajkumar has been a civil rights attorney, Director of Immigration Affairs for New York State, and an adjunct professor at CUNY’s Lehman College. In 2020, she was elected to the State Assembly, representing neighborhoods including Glendale, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood, and Woodhaven.
In January 2025, reports indicated that Rajkumar plans to challenge incumbent Jumaane Williams for the position of New York City Public Advocate. Initially running for city comptroller, she is expected to announce her shift to the public advocate race, potentially presenting a well-funded and energetic challenge to Williams.
Jenifer Rajkumar Net Worth
As of January 2025, Jenifer Rajkumar has an estimated net worth of approximately $2 million. This valuation is based on her career as a politician, attorney, and professor.
As a member of the New York State Assembly, her annual salary is around $110,000. Additionally, her previous roles, including serving as Director of Immigration Affairs for New York State and practicing as a civil rights attorney, have contributed to her overall net worth.
It’s important to note that net worth estimates can vary and may not fully capture all assets, liabilities, or income sources. Public figures often have diverse financial portfolios, and comprehensive details are not always publicly available.
- Trailblazer: Rajkumar’s election made history as a breakthrough moment for South Asian representation in New York politics.
- Passionate Advocate: She has worked closely with grassroots organizations and community leaders to bring real change to her constituents.
- Civic Engagement: Beyond her legislative duties, Rajkumar frequently participates in community events, highlighting her accessibility and dedication to public service.
Jenifer Rajkumar’s personal journey has been deeply influenced by her family’s immigrant story. Her parents instilled in her the values of hard work, education, and community service, which continue to guide her career in public life. She remains committed to her roots in Queens, where she actively engages with the community she represents.
