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By: Hadassa Kalatizadeh
State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar’s newly announced run for City Comptroller is raising eyebrows in New York’s political circles. Rajkumar, 41, who has been dubbed the “Lady in Red” for her signature crimson clothing worn when standing beside Mayor Eric Adams, has said she will like to run for the city’s fiscal watchdog position, which far-left Comptroller Brad Lander would need to give up if he runs for Mayor. Lander has been a constant critic of the Mayor, while Rajkumar is considered one of the Mayor’s strongest allies. “Comptrollers often use their platform to run for mayor and they spend most of their tenure criticizing the mayor to make headlines,” Rajkumar said in an interview with The Post last week. “I think that’s more [Lander’s style]. My goal is to make our programs work more efficiently.”
Rajkumar is a member of the NYS Assembly for the 38th district, representing Queens neighborhoods including Glendale, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood, and Woodhaven.
Elected in 2020, Rajkumar became the first Indian-American woman ever elected to a NYS Office position. Previously, in 2011, she became the first Indian American elected as the District Leader of the 65th District in the NYS Assembly, also winning re-elections in 2013 and 2015. She has been a supporter of affordable housing, community-friendly development, and has advocated for making Diwali an official school holiday.
As reported by the NY Post, about a dozen political insiders, commented on Rajkumar decision to run. Some praised her while others warned of red flags about her “close friendship” with Adams. “She just jumps from one position to another trying to find her footing and wants to climb that political ladder,” one Democratic operative said, “plus she gives the mayor full throated support and that’s what he rewards.”
Rajkumar is known for accompanying Adams to dozens of public events throughout the city, often far outside her southern Queens district. Per the Post, she is mentioned close to 300 times on the mayor’s official website. Recently, she stood by the mayor’s side after he and the City Council agreed on the FY2025 budget. This drew criticism from council members who had been working on the effort for weeks. “I guess the Assemblymember was a part of negotiations. Who knew…” Council Member Diana Ayala sarcastically tweeted.
Another Council source said: “Her desperate attempt to ride the mayor’s coattails for higher office is awkward and sends a clear message to her constituents that she cares about everything except her job.”
Rajkumar brushed off the criticism. “Being everywhere actually helps me serve my constituency,” Rajkumar said. “Also, Queens is a historically neglected and overlooked area of the city,” she said. “I’m proud of all of the attention I’ve been able to bring to this district and the resources.” She admitted to her “close friendship” with Adams, saying she speaks with him multiple times a day, but said this would give her an added advantage in the role of comptroller. “New Yorkers don’t like to see their leaders squabbling and fighting,” she said, adding, ”New Yorkers want to see leaders working together to solve problems.”
Pressed by the Post if she would be able to hold Adams to account, she said, “I believe I can hold them to account because what it’s about is us working together to make the city work better for everybody,” she said.
