New York Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar has named her longtime Senior Advisor, Jacob Gross, as her new Chief of Staff, effective September 17, 2025.
In his new role, Gross will oversee all operations of the Assemblywoman’s office and serve as a key force in advancing her legislative and community agenda, according to a statement from Rajkumar’s office.
Gross has been a central figure in Rajkumar’s team throughout most of her tenure, contributing to nearly all of her signature legislative victories. He played a pivotal role in passing the historic Diwali School Holiday bill, which allowed more than 600,000 New Yorkers to celebrate the festival without children missing school.
He also authored and named the Stop Marijuana Overproliferation and Keep Empty Operators of Unlicensed Transactions (SMOKEOUT) Act, which enabled New York City to shut down 1,400 illegal smoke shops.
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Among his proudest accomplishments is championing Penny’s Law, legislation to criminalize allowing dogs to attack other dogs. The bill, inspired by Gross’s personal experiences, has garnered nearly 30,000 signatures on Change.org, making it one of the most widely supported proposals in Albany.
Assemblywoman Rajkumar praised Gross’s dedication, stating, “Jacob Gross represents government at its very best, working tirelessly to uplift people and deliver real results. He believes public service means integrity, hard work, and never giving up until the job is done.”
She added that Gross has been instrumental in her efforts for nearly five years: “Jacob brings a rare combination of brilliance, tenacity, and compassion that sets him apart. Elevating him to Chief of Staff was one of the easiest decisions I have ever made.”
Reflecting on his appointment, Gross described it as a career milestone. “This is the greatest moment of my professional career. To be at the helm of the office of one of the most trailblazing and visionary elected officials in New York is a tremendous honor and privilege,” he said.
“Whatever issues New Yorkers raise, be it e-bikes or smoke shops or Subway safety, Assemblywoman Rajkumar and I always work together to develop a solution. She has an open ear to every bill idea I pitch, no matter how abstruse or how novel,” Gross maintained.
Gross is a lifelong New Yorker and graduate of the city’s public school system. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Administration from Columbia University.
