From New York Roots to a Leading Voice in City Politics

Ali Najmi was born and raised in New York. The city shaped him from the very beginning, giving him a deep understanding of its communities, their struggles, and their untapped potential—a perspective that would define his entire career.

The Beginning of a Legal Career: Najmi’s path in law began in 2009, when he was recruited to join the New York City Council as Legislative Director to a New York City Council Member. It was an early role at the heart of city government, and he made the most of it.

During his time at the City Council, Najmi helped author legislation protecting civil rights and religious freedom—work that reflected his lifelong commitment to justice and equality. This experience laid the foundation for his reputation as a civil rights and criminal justice attorney.

Building a Law Practice: Najmi went on to establish an eponymous law practice called Najmilaw in Downtown Manhattan. The firm focuses on criminal defense, civil rights advocacy, and personal injury law, providing dedicated representation to clients across New York City facing complex legal challenges.As a civil rights and criminal justice attorney, he built a career centered on defending the rights of individuals and communities, often those whose voices were not being heard in the halls of power.

Najmi went on to establish an eponymous law practice called Najmilaw in Downtown Manhattan. The firm focuses on criminal defense, civil rights advocacy, and personal injury law, providing dedicated representation to clients across New York City facing complex legal challenges.As a civil rights and criminal justice attorney, he built a career centered on defending the rights of individuals and communities, often those whose voices were not being heard in the halls of power.

A Political Run and a Lasting Connection: In 2015, Najmi ran for New York City Council in District 23. Though the run was unsuccessful, it was a significant moment—not just for Najmi, but for the broader political landscape. That race also marked Zohran Mamdani’s first engagement with New York City politics, a connection that would prove historically important. It was also the beginning of Najmi’s political alignment with Raj Goyle, who supported his 2015 campaign.

A Trusted Advisor to the Mayor: Over the years, Najmi became a prominent South Asian and Muslim community leader. He is widely considered a top political advisor and longtime inner circle confidant to NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Najmi is credited with playing a key role in Mamdani’s victory, helping to build a grassroots political movement that would reshape the city’s leadership.

Appointment to the Judiciary Committee: On January 2 (2026), Najmi was appointed Chair of the newly revitalized Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary. It was a recognition of his years of work, his legal expertise, and his standing in the community.

A Major Endorsement:

On Feb. 18, 2026, Najmi announced his endorsement of Raj Goyle for New York State Comptroller. In his statement, Najmi reflected on more than a decade of grassroots organizing and the importance of values-driven leadership:

“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.”

He also spoke to the importance of protecting communities

“Raj Goyle helped me in 2015 when few were paying attention to our community’s potential—a campaign that also activated Zohran’s own journey into NYC politics. Raj has always organized and moved our community forward and strengthened our voices in the halls of power. Now, we need that same fighter’s spirit in the Comptroller’s office to ensure our tax dollars aren’t being used to fund the surveillance and deportation of our own neighbors.”