Indian American Civil rights lawyer and former Kansas State representative Raj Goyle has announced a Democratic primary run for New York state comptroller against incumbent Tom DiNapoli in 2026.
“I’m Raj Goyle. I’m running for New York State Comptroller because power should work for you,” he posted on X.
“The system is broken, but I’ve been fighting and fixing broken systems my whole life,” he wrote. “If you elect me as Comptroller, I will use every ounce of power to make your life better.”
Before entering politics, Goyle, 50, spent time as a lawyer with the ACLU, before becoming one of the first employees at the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C.
Goyle then moved with his wife Monica to be closer to his parents in Wichita, KS, where he worked as a lecturer at Wichita State University.
In 2006, he became the first Indian American elected to the Kansas State Legislature. During his term, Goyle secured $69 million in federal stimulus dollars for the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund to expand who qualifies for support during times of financial hardship, according to Patch.com.
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After losing a race for Congress to Mike Pompeo in 2010, Goyle moved to New York full time with his family, where he ran a foundation helping dozens of non-profits.
Most recently, Goyle served as Chair of the 5BORO Institute, a leading NYC think tank dedicated to solving public policy issues facing our city, and founded Phone Free New York, a policy group that successfully advocated for restrictions on smartphones and other devices in K-12 schools throughout the state.
Asked why he was running for comptroller, Goyle told Patch, “The New York State Comptroller is one of the most powerful state executive jobs in America. In this dangerous moment for American democracy, we don’t need a do-nothing caretaker who rests on his laurels.”
“I’m running to actually use the power of the office to make lives better for all New Yorkers,” he said. “My Comptroller’s office will eliminate waste, increase pension returns, build affordable housing, help get universal child care and relief from medical debt.”
Vowing to “fight Donald Trump’s agenda every step of the way,” Goyle said, “I’m running because I know this office has the power to put up a fight while still investing in New York to deliver for New Yorkers.”
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Goyle, who successfully helped push for a state ban on cellphones in schools,
said he’ll look to take out DiNapoli in what is shaping up to be his most serious election challenge since he was appointed in 2007 and won a full term in 2010.
Founder of the group Phone Free New York, Goyle called DiNapoli a “do nothing, go along, get along Democrat” and told The New York Post, “We need a fighter right now.”
Goyle is the second Democrat joining the primary to take on DiNapoli, 71. Drew Warshaw, an affordable housing nonprofit executive, announced his candidacy back in May.
Goyle said he will also take a “very hard look” at the $350 million the state comptroller invests in Israel Bonds amid displeasure over conduct of the Gaza war.
Goyle said it’s time for more assertive leadership. “He’s been on the ballot for 20 years. So tell me, `What’s his name? What does he do,” Goyle said of DiNapoli in a campaign video launch of his campaign.