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Jumaane Williams wins Democratic primary for NYC public advocate
By
David Brand
Published Jun 24, 2025
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Spencer Platt / Getty Images
By
David Brand
Published Jun 24, 2025
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Public Advocate Jumaane Williams won the Democratic primary by a wide margin Tuesday and will seek reelection in November, according to The Associated Press.
Williams, a progressive ex-city councilmember from Flatbush, Brooklyn, defeated challengers Jenifer Rajkumar, a state assemblymember, and Marty Dolan, a financial adviser. Williams received over 71% of the vote with about 90% of ballots counted.
The public advocate is supposed to serve as a liaison between New Yorkers and the city government. The officeholder also introduces legislation in the City Council and publishes an annual list of the city’s worst landlords based on building conditions. The position can be a stepping stone to higher office: Then-Public Advocate Bill de Blasio defeated a crowded field in the 2013 Democratic primary for mayor, while former Public Advocate Letitia James won the 2018 race for state attorney general.
Rajkumar, who represents Woodhaven and surrounding Queens neighborhoods, attempted to appeal to moderate and conservative Democrats. She cultivated close ties to Mayor Eric Adams in recent years, appearing beside him at events throughout the city and getting prime speaking roles at press conferences far from her Queens district.
The under-the-radar race nevertheless attracted hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions, with Williams and Rajkumar each unlocking more than $1 million in public matching funds.
Williams was first elected public advocate in a 2019 special election. He will face Republican candidate Gonzalo Duran, a retired Marine who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, in November.
Rajkumar will remain in the state Assembly.
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David Brand
David is a reporter covering housing for Gothamist and WNYC. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or Signal 908-310-3960.
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