State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar said she has opened an exploratory committee to run for New York City comptroller.
Rajkumar — a close ally of Mayor Eric Adams and the first Indian American woman elected to the state Legislature — told Gothamist on Saturday that she is “seriously considering” a campaign for the citywide office, which is currently held by Brad Lander.
She said she filed the paperwork for the committee with the city's Campaign Finance Board on Friday, which allows her to raise funds for a potential bid.
“Government inefficiency is costing lives,” she said. “I believe I can fix it.”
Rajkumar said the move, which was first reported by the New York Post, follows several months of discussions with union leaders, business leaders, and fellow elected officials about a potential run. The Democratic state lawmaker from Queens has often appeared and spoken alongside the mayor at press conferences and events, including the announcement of the recent city budget deal.
She said local residents spoke to her about the “need for an engaged and effective comptroller, who could make positive change across the city.” Rajkumar added that New Yorkers “pay some of the highest taxes in the country, and yet they are still not able to get life-saving health care, quality education or enough return on their investment.”
She also said that she wants to reform the city’s procurement system and help the city expedite the construction of additional housing.
Rajkumar declined to comment on the current city comptroller, a fellow Democrat who has frequently positioned himself as a progressive foil to the mayor.
“This isn’t about Brad Lander. It’s about the future of our city,” she said.
A spokesperson for Lander declined to comment. It’s unclear if Lander and Rajkumar would face off, as Lander told WNYC’s Brian Lehrer last month that he’s “seriously considering” running for mayor and challenging Adams.
