Fil-Am blasts rival over ballot fight, alleged affair with NYC mayor
Fil-Am candidate for NYC Public Advocate, Angela Aquino, at a recent protest rally against her rival, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, at City Hall grounds. CONTRIBUTED
NEW YORK CITY — Tensions are running high in the race for public advocate, with Filipino American candidate Angela Aquino at the center of controversy.
Aquino, a former Republican-turned-Democrat, has publicly criticized her opponent, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-38), over ballot disputes and allegations involving Mayor Eric Adams.
Aquino claims Rajkumar, a civil rights lawyer, is abusing the petition process to unfairly disqualify her and other candidates, effectively blocking her from the June 24 primary.
“The actions taken by Jenifer Rajkumar are nothing short of a political stunt designed to silence over 20,000 New Yorkers who petitioned to have their voices heard,” Aquino told Inquirer.net USA.
“She’s using taxpayer dollars to shut out legitimate candidates and deny the people a true choice in this race.”
A philanthropist and founder of Equal Rights for Children, Aquino further described Rajkumar’s move at the Board of Elections as “an attack on democracy itself,” emphasizing that it’s about the voices of the people being ignored.
Adding fuel to the controversy, Aquino made a startling allegation: She accused Rajkumar of being Mayor Eric Adams’ mistress. She pointed out that Rajkumar, often called the “Lady in Red” for her frequent appearances in red attire during public events, has close ties to the mayor.
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According to a report by the New York Post, Rajkumar has appeared nearly 300 times on Mayor Adams’ official website, often accompanying him outside her district in Queens.
Aquino called on voters to reject “the crooked Lady in Red” and “Mayor Adams’s escort in dirty politics.”
Despite these personal accusations, Aquino reaffirmed her commitment to addressing the city’s pressing issues.
She criticized Rajkumar for lacking concrete policies on rising crime, government corruption, public education shortcomings, mental health crises and the affordable housing shortage.
“While Rajkumar focuses on trying to eliminate her opponents,” Aquino said, “I am focused on real solutions – reforming bail laws, exposing waste and corruption through a local watchdog, expanding charter schools, and building affordable housing.”
She contrasted her platform with Rajkumar’s, emphasizing her experience fighting for transparency and accountability.
A protest rally against Rajkumar’s ballot challenges took place on April 10 at City Hall grounds, with supporters rallying behind Aquino’s call for fair elections and transparency.
In response to the protest and personal attacks, Rajkumar, the 42-year-old Democrat who, in 2020, became the first Indian American woman elected to the New York State legislature, neither confirmed nor denied Aquino’s accusations.
“We must move beyond personal attacks and political games,” she told Little Africa News.
“I’m focused on transforming the Public Advocate’s office into a legal watchdog that fights for working people, holds the government accountable, and ensures every New Yorker gets the services they need.”
Endorsed by district leader Melissa Sklarz, who has known Rajkumar for nearly a decade, she said: “She is hardworking, very smart, and passionate about serving the people of Queens.” Sklarz, an officer of the Stonewall Democrats of NYC advocating for the LGBTQ+ community since 1986, told Inquirer.net USA.
“I endorse her candidacy for Public Advocate because I know she will work very hard for the people of New York.”
Inquirer.net USA reached out to Rajkumar and Mayor Adams’ press office for comment but has yet to hear back from them.
As the primary approaches, Aquino remains committed to ensuring every voice is heard.
“If you want a public advocate who will fight for real change—one who’s committed to transparency, justice, and fixing this city—then I ask for your support,” she concluded.
