NEW YORK — Incumbent New York State Attorney General Letitia James declared victory on Tuesday evening after NBC News and MSNBC projected that she would win against Republican challenger Michael Henry.
As attorney general, James has become a rising star in national Democratic political circles. She spearheaded the probe into sexual harassment allegations against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who ultimately resigned as a result. And she is currently driving a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump’s company that alleges widespread fraud.
“Tonight, we heard from New Yorkers from across the state, and I am so proud to earn a second term as your Attorney General. Over the past four years, we have worked tirelessly to make New York a place where there is only one system of justice for all, and tonight is an affirmation of all that we have accomplished,” James said in a statement.
“But as long as any New Yorker feels unsafe, can’t afford to live in their community, or is locked out of the sunshine of opportunity, we still have work to do. I will continue to fight for the rights of every person in our great state and ensure the rule of law is applied equally to everyone.”
During the campaign, Henry, a lawyer who has never held an elected office, attacked James for her short-lived and ultimately aborted run for governor, suggesting that she had been using her perch as the state’s top law enforcement official as a jumping-off point to run for a more powerful post.
James, a former New York City public advocate and councilwoman, brushed off those criticisms and ran a race that seemed to make clear she did not view Henry as a legitimate threat. While Henry repeatedly demanded that James debate him, she demurred.
When Trump was president, James sued his administration dozens of times, challenging policies on the environment, immigration, education, health care and other issues. She also fought Trump on his plans to include a question about immigration status on the Census, winning in the U.S. Supreme Court.
Trump has repeatedly blasted James’ actions against him, saying she’s driven by “racism” and political considerations.
Before she won her office in 2018, James had called Trump a “con man,” ″carnival barker” and “fear monger.”
Her victory will mean that her case against Trump’s company will proceed.
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