New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Thursday she is suspending her campaign for the New York governor’s seat.
“I have come to the conclusion that I must continue my work as attorney general. There are a number of important investigations and cases that are underway, and I intend to finish the job,” she wrote, without elaborating. “I am running for re-election to complete the work New Yorkers elected me to do.”
Earlier on Thursday, James’ office canceled a planned event on Long Island.
James entered the race in October, immediately becoming a leading Democratic challenger against Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul, the lieutenant governor who replaced former Gov. Andrew Cuomo earlier this year after Cuomo stepped down amid a sexual harassment scandal. Cuomo resigned after James released a report that found Cuomo allegedly harassed 11 women, which the former governor has categorically denied.
While in office, Cuomo said that James’ probe into his office was politically motivated and was designed to boost James’ political aspirations. Later, a former staffer pressed misdemeanor forcible touching charges against Cuomo.
The former governor is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 7 on the charges.
As governor, Cuomo endorsed James for attorney general and headlined a fundraiser for her in 2018 as she ran in a four-way Democratic primary to replace Eric Schneiderman, who abruptly resigned amid allegations that he abused women.
Since taking office, James also filed a lawsuit against the National Rifle Association (NRA) and is probing former President Donald Trump’s company dealings. She reportedly is going to issue a subpoena against the former president to testify as part of a civil fraud investigation.
James also investigated nursing home deaths in New York and released a report earlier this year, finding the state undercounted nursing home COVID-19 deaths by about up to 50 percent.
Other than Hochul, James faced a Democratic primary race for governor including Jumaane Williams, the New York City Public Advocate, as well as Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.), who represents parts of Long Island. Outgoing New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is also expected to enter the gubernatorial race.
On the Republican side, Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) is running for governor, having received the support of the GOP’s leadership.
For the attorney general’s seat, Fordham law professor Zephyr Teachout, former Congressional lawyer Daniel Goldman, and state assembly member Clyde Vanel have announced they’re running.
