Despite bizarre attacks, Williams wins NYC Democratic primary with over 70% of the vote

Jumaane Williams secured a dominant victory in New York City’s Democratic primary on Tuesday, virtually assuring a second term as Public Advocate after swatting away a brash and personal campaign challenge from Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar.

With just 31 per cent of the ballots counted, the Board of Elections reported Williams holding a commanding 72-18 lead over Rajkumar. That margin prompted NY1 to call the race moments after the polls closed, cementing Williams’ status as the overwhelming favourite heading into November’s general election.

The race was characterised by bizarre accusations and theatrics more than substantive policy debate. Rajkumar, who initially planned to run for city comptroller before switching lanes to target Williams, slightly outraised the incumbent in campaign contributions but failed to dent his strong base of support. Instead, her campaign leaned on attention-grabbing attacks, most notably a series of cartoon depictions of Williams and claims that he slept until noon.

That jab mirrored an insult once levelled by Mayor Eric Adams—no stranger to conflict with Williams and widely seen as a political ally of Rajkumar. The mayor’s offhand remark about the public advocate’s supposed late rising became a campaign talking point, despite being demonstrably false.

The tone of Rajkumar’s campaign, laced with innuendo and theatricality, may have backfired. Voters appeared unpersuaded by her efforts to paint Williams as disengaged, rewarding the incumbent with a landslide margin and a clear mandate to continue his work.

“Public service isn’t about cartoons or personal attacks—it’s about fighting for New Yorkers,” Williams said during a brief victory speech at his Brooklyn campaign headquarters. “I’m honoured to continue doing that work.”

As Public Advocate, Williams holds a largely symbolic post with limited formal powers, though it allows the holder to introduce legislation to the City Council and function as a watchdog over the mayor and city agencies. Historically, the role has been used as a launchpad for higher office, and Williams himself previously ran for governor.

During his tenure, Williams has positioned himself as a progressive voice in city politics, frequently challenging Mayor Adams on issues such as housing, policing, and homelessness. His grassroots credibility, built over years of activism and Council service, has insulated him from political attacks and endeared him to left-leaning voters.

By contrast, Rajkumar struggled to gain traction beyond her Staten Island and Queens bases. While her fundraising totals briefly gave her campaign momentum, the combative tone and lack of substantive contrast with Williams’ policy agenda made it difficult to sway undecided voters.

Observers noted that while the role of Public Advocate rarely draws intense public attention, the drama of this race—fueled largely by Rajkumar’s antics—may have ironically heightened Williams’ profile.

With the Democratic primary effectively deciding most citywide races in heavily blue New York, Williams now faces only token opposition in November. Barring a political earthquake, he is poised to retain his post comfortably.

Whether Williams uses the coming term to prepare for a future mayoral or statewide run remains to be seen. But after Tuesday’s emphatic result, one thing is clear: attempts to trivialise or caricature his candidacy have only strengthened his standing among Democratic voters.