Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Jenifer Rajkumar for NY Senate District 38
Candidate Name: Jenifer Rajkumar
Office Seeking Election for: New York State Senate District 38
Website: https://www.jeniferforny.com/
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
I ran for office to bring bold, values-driven leadership to a district that deserved to be seen, heard, and fought for—and I have delivered on that promise.
I am a civil rights attorney, the daughter of immigrants who came to Queens with just $300 and a suitcase, and the first South Asian woman ever elected to New York State office. Before the Assembly, I built one of the largest immigrant legal defense programs in the nation, protecting families from deportation.
In office, I have passed landmark legislation, including making Diwali a public school holiday, securing protections for over 200,000 domestic workers, and cracking down on illegal smoke shops that harm our communities.
District 38 is one of the most diverse in the country. I don’t just represent that diversity—I come from it, and I fight for it every day. I bring the experience of a legislator, the tenacity of an organizer, and the record of a proven leader.
2. What LGBTQ+ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
I have been a proud member and former Board Member of the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, and I have supported organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign and the Victory Fund.
As an Assemblywoman, I have partnered with LGBTQ+ organizations across Queens, including supporting housing initiatives for LGBTQ+ youth, Pride events, and community programming. I continue to work to ensure LGBTQ+ organizations receive the resources and support they need.
3. What press conferences, demonstrations, rallies and protests in support of LGBTQ+ issues, pro-choice legislation, racial justice, criminal justice have you attended, including rallies specifically against Donald Trump and his policies?
I have always believed leadership means showing up.
I have marched in Pride, attended rallies for LGBTQ+ equality, reproductive rights, immigrant justice, and racial justice, and stood in protest against the discriminatory policies of Donald Trump. I continue that work today both in the streets and in the Legislature.
4. In light of the Trump Administration’s war on women, the LGBTQ+ community, minorities and immigrants, what are your plans to organize and combat the Trump agenda?
I have already fought back against the Trump agenda as New York State’s Director of Immigration Affairs, where I protected immigrant families from destructive federal immigration policies.
In the Assembly, I will continue to:
? Strengthen New York’s role as a sanctuary state
? Codify protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and reproductive rights
? Expand legal services and protections for vulnerable communities
New York must remain a firewall for freedom and dignity.
5. Will you seek or accept endorsements from individuals who oppose LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights?
No. I will not seek or accept endorsements from individuals or organizations that oppose LGBTQ+ equality or reproductive freedom.
6. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion?
Yes. I unequivocally support the right to safe, legal, and accessible abortion and reproductive healthcare without restriction.
7. Have you hosted, funded or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?
Yes. I proudly support Drag Story Hour and similar initiatives that promote inclusion, creativity, and acceptance in our communities.
8. How will you work to enhance protections for immigrants and uphold New York’s role as a “Sanctuary City”?
As former Director of Immigration Affairs, I built a first-in-the-nation legal defense program to protect immigrant New Yorkers.
In the Assembly, I continue to:
? Expand access to legal services
? Protect against ICE overreach
? Ensure access to housing, healthcare, and education regardless of status
New York must continue to lead as a sanctuary for those seeking opportunity and safety.
9. Do you support New York becoming a Transgender Sanctuary State?
Yes, I support New York becoming a Transgender Sanctuary State.
10. If elected, will you commit to supporting legislation that raises taxes on the richest New Yorkers and large corporations in order to fund the services and investments our communities need?
I support a fair and progressive tax system where the wealthiest contribute their fair share so we can invest in housing, healthcare, education, and opportunity for all New Yorkers.
11. How will you represent the most vulnerable, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers? Have you ever opposed any shelter in your district?
I believe we must move beyond temporary fixes and invest in supportive housing, mental health services, and long-term stability so we are not just managing homelessness, but ending it.
12. Will you sponsor and support legislation which will ensure that state and local resources are not used to facilitate or cooperate with federal immigration enforcement (New York for All Act) to prevent the funneling of people into ICE custody, and the sharing of sensitive information with ICE?
Yes, I am a co-sponsor of the New York for All Act and support efforts to ensure state and local resources are not used to facilitate federal immigration enforcement.
13. To advance safety and justice, New York must address our archaic sentencing and parole laws. Do you support the following key legislation: 1) Second Look Act (S.158/A.1283), which would allow judges to review and reconsider excessive sentences by considering if incarcerated people have transformed while incarcerated or based on changes in law and norms; 2) Earned Time Act (S.342/A.1085), which would strengthen and expand “good time” and “merit time” programs in prison that encourage personal transformation and reunite families?; 3) Marvin Mayfield Act (S.1209/A.1297), which would eliminate mandatory minimum sentences, thereby allowing judges to consider individual factors in a case?; 4) Elder Parole (S.454/A.514), which would allow incarcerated people over age 55 who have served 15 years the opportunity to go before the parole board?
Yes, I support the Second Look Act, Earned Time Act, Marvin Mayfield Act, and Elder Parole.
We must build a justice system rooted in fairness, rehabilitation, and second chances.
14. Do you oppose the death penalty?
Yes, I oppose the death penalty.
15. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?
Yes, I support outlawing solitary confinement.
16. Do you commit to visit constituents who are incarcerated? Will you work to secure the release of individuals who have demonstrated sincere remorse, worked toward rehabilitation and are not deemed a threat to society?
Yes. I will visit incarcerated constituents and support the release of individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation and no longer pose a threat to society.
17. Do you commit to make applications for clemencies available to your constituency including a link to an application in a constituent newsletter? Will you submit it to our club?
Yes. I will make clemency applications accessible and ensure constituents are informed, including through newsletters and direct outreach.
18. Did you rank Andrew Cuomo on your Democratic primary ballot in 2025? Who did you support for mayor in the 2025 Democratic primary and general election?
I did not vote for any of the candidates for Mayor in the primary or general elections in 2025. My focus has always been on supporting leaders who reflect my values of justice, equity, and opportunity. I remain committed to working with partners who will deliver meaningful progress for New Yorkers.
19. In view of the fact that Ed Koch has been documented to have caused the deaths of scores of people with AIDS, excused city council members who voted against the gay rights bill and was blatantly racist, would you support and sponsor a bill to rename the former Queensboro Bridge?
I support re-evaluating public symbols to ensure they reflect our values of equity, inclusion, and justice, and I would consider legislation aligned with those principles.
20. Do you support naming the soon to be reconstructed 42nd street bus terminal the Bella Abzug Port Authority?
Yes. I support honoring Bella Abzug’s legacy and her contributions to women’s rights and LGBTQ+ equality.
21. What is your legislative remedy to secure the building of low and moderate-income housing around the state?
We must:
? Build and preserve deeply affordable housing
? Expand supportive housing
? Reform zoning to increase supply
? Invest in community-based development
Housing is a human right, and we must act with urgency.
22. Will you refuse donations from AIPAC, SolidarityPAC, police and corrections associations, the fossil fuel industry, and the charter school industry?
I went up against all odds and political machines to become first South Asian woman ever elected to office in New York State. My vision for our state and my principles have always been clear and unbreakable, and I will always welcome the support of anyone who believes in my mission and values. My record against Islamophobia, police brutality, environmental violence, and inequality in our education system is unimpeachable. No dollar amount can change my views or principles on these matters.
23. Do you support removing criminal penalties for consensual commercial sex work between adults? Also known as Cecilia's Act for Rights in the Sex Trades (S2513 Salazar / A3251 Forrest).
I support creating economic opportunities for women, trans, and nonbinary people that do not come at the cost of their safety and freedoms. I cannot support an industry that ignores/enables sexual and gender-based violence, especially without proper accountability mechanisms.
24. There is an effort to have mandatory inclusion of the New York State proposal that would require public schools to teach about the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, commonly described in the bill text as an “insurrection.” Do you support this proposal?
Yes. Students must learn about January 6 to understand the importance of democracy and the dangers of extremism.
25. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
The Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club has supported me in multiple races where I challenged the status quo—and together, we won.
I have been a proud member, supporter, and Board Member of this Club. I share your commitment to bold advocacy, accountability, and justice.
Today, I am not just running as a candidate, I am running as a proven partner in this movement. From advancing LGBTQ+ rights, to protecting immigrants, to fighting for reproductive freedom, my record reflects the values this Club champions.
I would be honored to once again earn your endorsement.
26. If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club on all appropriate literature and electronic materials?
Yes. I will proudly identify the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club on all appropriate campaign materials.