At a Vaisakhi celebration in Queens, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar addressed a crowd of South Asians, asking how many wanted a Punjabi representative. Half raised hands, echoing the support that helped elect Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s first South Asian mayor. Rajkumar now faces a primary challenge that tests whether the community votes on identity or policy in 2026 campaign stakes.

Opposition comes from Democratic Socialist David Orkin, who has toured the same temples and rallies, courting the same networks that backed Mamdani. Orkin’s strategy relies on touchpoints rather than legislative record, while Rajkumar boasts a $31 million immigration fund and a Diwali school‑holiday bill she championed in 2023. The race could signal a shift for the Democratic Socialists of America in Queens.

The primary has already seen accusations of fraud and a lawsuit attempting to remove Rajkumar from the ballot, underscoring the intensity of competition. Voters who previously leaned toward Mamdani now face a choice: continue supporting a familiar face or back a candidate who pledges deeper alignment with values. The outcome will reshape Queens’ political map and test the weight of identity politics in a electorate.