NEW YORK (AP) — Democrat Letitia James has been elected to a second time period as New York’s legal professional normal, an workplace she has used to pursue former President Donald Trump and a listing of different highly effective targets.
James on Tuesday defeated Republican Michael Henry, a Queens lawyer who was endorsed by numerous police unions however confronted lengthy odds towards one of many state’s strongest Democrats.
“We despatched a message, a shot throughout the bow to probably the most highly effective firms and individuals who imagine that they’re above the legislation that they don’t seem to be, and that this Legal professional Common will maintain them accountable,” James instructed supporters. “We present them that justice will not be a theoretical idea to be pursued however a actuality to be enforced.”
Henry didn’t make any remark, however on Twitter he retweeted a tweet from his spokesperson, Candace Giove, who stated, “The chief legislation enforcement official of NY actually ought to wait till the votes are counted earlier than declaring victory.”
James, 64, made historical past when she took workplace in January 2019. She is the primary Black lady elected to statewide workplace, the state’s first Black legal professional normal and the primary lady elected to the publish.
AP Picture/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez, File
She started investigating Trump virtually as quickly as she took workplace, suing the Republican in September alleging he and his firm misled banks and others concerning the worth of his belongings.
James additionally confronted one among her celebration’s stars, overseeing a sexual harassment investigation final yr that precipitated Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s resignation.
Different foes have included the Nationwide Rifle Affiliation — whom she is suing over alleged self-dealing by executives; the producers and distributors of opioid painkillers; the Roman Catholic Church, which her workplace is investigating for its dealing with of priest abuse; and the NYPD, which she sued over its remedy of protesters within the wake of the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd.
Like many New York Republicans this yr, Henry has campaigned on fears of rising crime and unwavering assist for legislation enforcement. He favors loosening gun restrictions and fewer regulation of companies.
Henry stated James’ workplace “has been weaponized in service of political ambition.” He has criticized her for going after Trump and for involving herself within the Cuomo investigation when she had designs on probably changing him as governor.
James did briefly run for governor final yr following Cuomo’s resignation, however deserted the hassle after about two months.
When Trump was president, James sued his administration dozens of occasions, difficult insurance policies on the surroundings, immigration, schooling, well being care and different points. She additionally fought Trump on his plans to incorporate a query about immigration standing on the Census, successful within the U.S. Supreme Courtroom.
Trump has repeatedly blasted James’ actions towards him, saying she’s pushed by “racism” and political issues.
Earlier than she gained her workplace in 2018, James had known as Trump a “con man,” ″carnival barker” and “concern monger.”
After a leak of the Supreme Courtroom choice overturning Roe v. Wade, James vowed to make use of her workplace defend abortion rights within the state.
James, who grew up and nonetheless lives in Brooklyn, additionally made a deeply private disclosure, saying that she had an abortion about twenty years in the past.