New York Assemblywoman Rajkumar gets early start to campaign for re-election

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Members of New York City’s South Queens community came together Sunday, March 6, 2022, to show their support for Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar’s re-election to the 38th Assembly District. The Democratic Primary is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, June 28.

Scores of people from all backgrounds and walks of life turned out at the Cancun Cafe for the event and several endorsed  the first Indian-American woman to be elected to Albany. praising Rajkumar for her “tireless work” in one of the most diverse districts in the country.

Guest speakers included the District Leader for Glendale and Ridgewood Frank Kotnik; youth leaders Emily Algredo and Daniel Hill; State Committeewoman Janet Forte; Woodhaven leader Vance Barbour; Forest Park Co-op Section 1 President Kenneth Mankowitz; Latina community leader Nina Barron; Bangladeshi community leaders Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Noor; Nepali community activist Shyam Karki; Richmond Hill leader Romeo Hitlall; Guyanese leader Naidoo Veerapen; Guyanese community leader Patricia Raghunandan; education and interfaith leader Vijah Ramjattan; local entrepreneur and civic leader Christine Latchana; and Ozone Park Imam and mosque leader Badrul Khan.

Some of the others who have endorsed Assemblywoman Rajkumar include Mayor Eric Adams, Rep. Gregory Meeks, Rep. Nydia Velazquez, State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, Jr., Councilman Bob Holden.

“The most important endorsement is the endorsement of my neighbors right here in South Queens. It is a great honor to receive the seal of approval from community leaders who are so dedicated to our neighborhoods. I am more passionate than ever about serving the people of South Queens for years to come,” Rajkumar is quoted saying at the gathering.

While there were numerous speakers, some of those from the Indian-American and other South Asian American communities had the following to say about Rajkumar:

“Let me tell you, I have worked with Jenifer since she made history last year, and I see her undying support for the entire community. Whenever we are in crisis, when we are in need, when we need a helping hand, Jenifer is there. Now the time is coming where we must be there for her on June 28,” said Mohammad Ali.

“Remember this name: Jenifer Rajkumar. She is an incredible woman and leader. She is an inspiration to young women, to the youth, and to all those who need a voice. With her record of achievement, who would not be for Assemblywoman Rajkumar? I believe in her. I trust her. We must all vote for her,” said Patricia Raghunandan.

“I come from the Nepali community, and in our culture we call our good friends our brothers and sisters. Jenifer is our sister looking out for us in the Nepali community and all the communities in her district. So re-elect Jenifer Rajkumar, our sister with the strength and leadership to serve us better than anyone else,” said Shyam Karki.

“They say when something is not broken, don’t fix it. That is why Jenifer needs re-election so that she will continue working for the people. Any time we have any issue, she is there for us. So I will support her 110%. Rarely does anyone deserve reelection more than Assemblywoman Rajkumar,” said Vijah Ramjattan.

“Before Jenifer Rajkumar, I lacked faith in government and our elected officials. But now we have a representative who is dedicated, passionate, and knowledgeable, who is not afraid to get her hands dirty. I will proudly vote for her on June 28 and will urge everyone in the community to vote for Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar,” said Naidoo Veerapen.

“In the Bangladeshi community, we were all so proud when Jenifer Rajkumar became the first South Asian American woman elected to State Office. But that was only the beginning. Now we are proud to have such a passionate ally, not only in the Bangladeshi community, but for every single community. She always is out in our community working for us whenever we are in need. And I am even more proud to endorse our great ally for reelection,” said Mohammad Noor.

“We are behind Jenifer Rajkumar in her reelection. She is more than a representative for our community. She is a celebrity to our community. As wonderful as her tenure has been, I know that this is only the beginning of a wonderful career. And all of us need to support her to make it happen,” said Badrul Khan.

“Richmond Hill and the whole of South Queens benefits from the work of Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar. She is amazing.  She is everywhere.  People cannot believe how much energy she has and how she is everywhere at once. Every time we face a challenge, every time there is a community event, Jenifer is there every step of the way. And we are with her to secure the re-election she so rightfully deserves,” said Romeo Hitlall.