Jenifer Rajkumar is a Democratic member of the New York State Assembly representing the 38th district, which covers Queens neighborhoods including Glendale, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood, and Woodhaven. She is the first Indian-American and South Asian-American woman elected to New York State office.

Born on September 1, 1982, in New York City, Jenifer Rajkumar is a civil rights lawyer, professor, and politician known as the “Lady in Red” for her signature attire. As the first-generation American in her family—her parents immigrated from India with limited resources—she has dedicated her career to public service, empowering disenfranchised communities. Elected in 2020 after defeating an 11-year incumbent by the largest margin for any challenger in the state, she previously served as Director of Immigration Affairs and Special Counsel for the New York State Department of State under Governor Andrew Cuomo, leading the $31 million Liberty Defense Project to provide legal services to immigrants. Notable achievements include passing legislation to establish Diwali as a school holiday in New York City, the SMOKEOUT Act to close illegal smoke shops, a package granting domestic workers full state human rights protections and expanded paid family leave, expansion of crime victim benefits, and creation of New York’s first Asian American & Pacific Islander Commission. In January 2025, she launched a campaign for New York City Public Advocate. She has received awards like the Bella Abzug Award and been named a New York Metro Rising Star by Super Lawyers.

Education and Political Experience

Rajkumar graduated from the University of Pennsylvania magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, earning the Alice Paul Award for service to women and families. She earned her law degree from Stanford Law School with distinction for pro bono work on behalf of vulnerable individuals. Her professional experience includes civil rights litigation at a national firm , collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice on corporate fraud cases, a fellowship at the National Women’s Law Center, and professorship in political science at CUNY’s Lehman College. Politically, she served as Senior Advisor to New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ transition team and currently sits on the Legal Advisory Council of Sanctuary for Families.