Raj Goyle's race for NY State Comptroller gets boost from community leader Ali Najmi's endorsement

Najmi's endorsement signals a consolidation of the South Asian progressive movement in New York

Feb. 22, 2026 at 11:55pm

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Ali Najmi, a prominent South Asian and Muslim community leader in New York City, has endorsed Raj Goyle's campaign for New York State Comptroller. Najmi, who is a top political advisor and longtime confidant to NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, praised Goyle's values-driven leadership and his history of supporting the South Asian community in New York. Goyle's campaign has highlighted transparency in state finances, tackling affordability, and long-term fiscal responsibility as core pillars of his platform.

Why it matters

Najmi's endorsement is seen as a significant boost for Goyle's campaign, as Najmi is considered a influential figure within the South Asian and Muslim communities in New York. The endorsement signals a consolidation of the South Asian progressive movement in the state, bridging the gap between the insurgent energy at the local level and the statewide race for Comptroller.

The details

Najmi and Goyle have been politically aligned since 2015, when Goyle supported Najmi's unsuccessful run for New York City Council. Najmi was later appointed as Chair of the newly revitalized Mayor's Advisory Committee on the Judiciary. Goyle's campaign has emphasized transparency in state finances, tackling affordability, and long-term fiscal responsibility, including divesting the incumbent's portfolio of foreign bonds, fossil fuels, and any company aiding Trump's ICE deportation efforts.

  • Najmi announced his endorsement of Raj Goyle for New York State Comptroller on February 18, 2026.
  • Najmi was appointed as Chair of the newly revitalized Mayor's Advisory Committee on the Judiciary on January 2.

The players

Raj Goyle

A former Kansas State legislator and one of the first Indian Americans elected to office in the country, Goyle is challenging long-time incumbent Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. He is the founder of Phone Free New York and the former board chair of the NYC-based public policy think tank 5BORO Institute. Goyle previously worked as a civil rights lawyer at the American Civil Liberties Union and was CEO and co-founder of the technology company Bodhala.

Ali Najmi

An attorney considered a prominent South Asian and Muslim community leader in New York City, Najmi is a top political advisor and longtime inner circle confidant to NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Najmi was appointed as Chair of the newly revitalized Mayor's Advisory Committee on the Judiciary on January 2.

Zohran Mamdani

The current Mayor of New York City, Mamdani's victory was credited in part to Najmi's political guidance and support.

Thomas DiNapoli

The long-time incumbent New York State Comptroller that Goyle is challenging.

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What they’re saying

“Building a grassroots political movement for over a decade and helping Zohran Mamdani become mayor showed me how values-driven leadership can move policy forward, but serious change statewide requires a Comptroller with the right values and vision.”

— Ali Najmi, Community Leader (Raj Goyle Campaign)

“Ali Najmi and I have been in the trenches together fighting for our communities and working families for over a decade. He saw the potential for South Asian political power in New York long before the establishment did. I am honored to have his support as we move from fighting for a seat at the table to ensuring that the table itself is accountable to the people.”

— Raj Goyle, Candidate for New York State Comptroller (Raj Goyle Campaign)

The takeaway

Najmi's endorsement of Goyle's campaign for New York State Comptroller represents a significant consolidation of the South Asian progressive movement in the state, bridging the gap between local insurgent energy and statewide ambitions. Goyle's focus on transparency, affordability, and fiscal responsibility in the Comptroller's office aligns with Najmi's values-driven approach to leadership and community empowerment.