Queens Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar is pivoting her political ambitions to New York City’s public advocate office.

The Democrat who has represented the 38th Assembly District — which includes parts of Glendale, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood and Woodhaven — since 2020 announced Monday she is withdrawing from the city comptroller race to pursue the public advocate position.

“I am stepping up for the city that I love, and this will give me a bigger and broader platform to do that,” Rajkumar said. “I have to tell you, the past few months, I've seen a city in crisis. There's been a loss of confidence in our city government. There's been nightmarish crimes on our subways, a mental health crisis that is spiraling out of control, and I'm here to bring fresh energy and new leadership to our city.”

Rajkumar joins an already crowded field of Democrats that includes incumbent Jumaane Williams, former congressional candidate Marty Dolan, computer engineer Theo Chino and former ER physician Calvin Sun. She is the second woman to enter the race, following Republican Angela Aquino, who is running unopposed in her party’s primary.

Rajkumar positioned herself as a more moderate candidate than Williams.

“I live for this, and he is a self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist who has bought a lot of extremist and divisive views such as defunding the police at a time when New Yorkers care so much about public safety,” she said.

The public advocate, a non-voting member of the New York City Council who has the ability to introduce and co-sponsor legislation, oversees city agencies and investigates complaints about municipal services.

Under the city charter, the public advocate would act as mayor if the sitting mayor resigns or dies until a special election can be held.

Rajkumar expressed confidence in her shift away from the comptroller's race.

"I strive every day to bring excellence to public service, and that's what I aim to do in this race,” she said.

Rajkumar’s working relationship with Mayor Eric Adams could play a significant role in her campaign. She has often appeared alongside Adams at press events and maintains their connection is steady despite Adams facing a federal trial in April and significant turnover within his administration.

The primary is scheduled for June 24.