With weeks to go before voting begins in the New York City primary, NY1 is sitting down with candidates running in the Democratic primary for public advocate—the citywide position next in line to the mayor if the current officeholder cannot serve out their term.

On Monday, Queens Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar appeared on “Mornings On 1” to make her case to voters, saying she plans to reshape the office into a “legal powerhouse.”

“In my first 100 days, I’m going to sue federal agencies, city agencies and corporate giants who are violating New Yorkers’ rights,” she said. “The Public Advocate has the power to sue, and this power has not been used by the current public advocate. I’m going to bring legal muscle back to this office.”

Rajkumar said her legal training from Stanford University and experience as New York state’s former director of immigration affairs will help her shape the role. She added her first lawsuits would target affordable housing and the MTA.

“We have so many families that are in shelters when we have enough affordable housing units for them, so I'm going to sue the city to make sure they get those families into shelter. The MTA has an obligation to provide reliable and affordable service to all New Yorkers. If they fail on that mission, I'll see them in court,” Rajkumar said.

Rajkumar has previously appeared alongside Mayor Eric Adams at public events. Asked about her relationship with the mayor—who recently announced a reelection run as an independent—she said her focus is now on her own campaign.

“I’m friends with the mayor, I’m friends with the governor. I have many friends, and that is one of my skills—my ability to collaborate,” she said. “I’m focused on my own vision, on my own race.”

She also said she is ready to step into the mayor’s role, if needed.

“I was born ready,” she said. “Public service is my passion. This is what I love to do.”

In her closing message to voters, Rajkumar had sharp criticism for the current officeholder and her only opponent, Jumaane Williams.

“Right now, we don’t have a public advocate—we have a public absentee,” she said. “I am somebody who everyone knows is in all five boroughs of this city, on the ground with the people. I have a phone that I always answer, and that’s what the people deserve.”