As New York City gears up for the 2025 primary election for the public advocate position, incumbent Jumaane Williams is fighting to retain his role against notable challengers, Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar and retired insurance executive Marty Dolan.
Known as the city government’s primary elected watchdog, the public advocate has significant influence despite limited direct power, serving in a non-voting capacity on the City Council and being first in line for the mayoral succession.
Polls will close at 9 p.m. on election night, and results are anticipated to come in shortly thereafter. The outcome of this Democratic primary is particularly critical, as the winning candidate is expected to face no challengers in the general election this November.
The mayoral race is reflective of the ideological rifts within the Democratic Party, with Williams representing the progressive wing and Rajkumar positioning herself as a moderate alternative.
Williams aims to continue his initiatives, such as the “Worst Landlord Watchlist,” and has a record of standing against policies from President Donald Trump’s administration.
In contrast, Rajkumar, who has made history as the first South Asian-American woman ever elected to a state office in New York, envisions transforming the public advocate’s office into a “legal powerhouse” that rigorously addresses urgent city crises, including affordability and public safety.
Both candidates articulate the importance of their roles in combating challenges faced by the city and emphasize the necessity of accountability for the next mayor.
Jumaane Williams has been the public advocate since 2019, after serving as a city councilman from 2010 to 2019. His position allows him to investigate citizen complaints and initiate legislation aimed at creating legislative change.
The son of Grenadian immigrants, Williams has earned a reputation for his progressive stance, having been arrested multiple times for civil disobedience to advocate for causes surrounding immigration and police reform.
On the other hand, Jenifer Rajkumar served as Director of Immigration Affairs for New York State before her election to the legislature. During her tenure there, she led a significant $31 million project tailored to provide legal services to immigrants, showcasing her commitment to addressing community needs.
Recently, she introduced Penny’s Law, which aims to hold pet owners legally accountable for their aggressive dogs and for fleeing the scene of animal attacks. This proposal seeks to amend state laws that have traditionally classified dogs as “property,” thus limiting investigations into dog-related incidents.
Marty Dolan, a Bronx native and seasoned banker, also seeks the public advocate seat. With over 30 years of experience in senior banking roles, Dolan’s campaign focuses on what he deems the failures of City Hall, highlighting issues such as bail reform, mismanagement of the sanctuary city policies, and low standards in governance.
Dolan has a political history that includes an unsuccessful primary challenge against Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2024, showing his commitment to city politics.
As the election approaches, the competition intensifies, with each candidate presenting their vision and policies, aiming to win the trust of New York City voters.
The results of this unique race will not only define the future impact of the public advocate’s office but also reflect broader political trends within the city.
image source from：fox5ny
