The Observer reports that Jenifer Rajkumar, who ran against City Council member Margaret Chin in the recent Democratic primary, is gearing up to run for Daniel Squadron’s state Senate seat.
Reporter Colin Campbell notes she’s launched a campaign committee amid speculation that the senate seat could open up sometime soon:
Mr. Squadron has been the subject of rumors that he’s in line for a job in Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio’s administration next year, which would hypothetically leave his seat open for the taking. In a statement, Ms. Rajkumar indicated the new committee, which will allow her to fund-raise, was intended as preparation for such an event. “The State Legislature needs a fresh, ethical, and progressive voice and that is why I filed a committee. We want to be as prepared and organized as possible so that in the event of a vacancy we are ready to hit the ground on Day 1,” she said.
Squadron’s spokesperson told the Observer: “(The Senator) will vigorously campaign for re-election on the strength of his record. Anyone expecting a vacancy will be disappointed.” Paul Newell, another downtown district leader, also expressed interest in the seat if Squadron decided not to run for re-election.
In the City Council primary, Chin defeated Rajkumar 58.5% to to 41.5%.
