James leads by 15 points in New York AG race as antisemitism debate intensifies

The race for New York State attorney general is tightening around the issue of antisemitism, with both candidates making distinct claims about their records and plans.

Saritha Komatireddy, the Republican challenger, has accused Democratic incumbent Letitia James of doing too little to address rising hate crimes against Jews. Komatireddy, who served as a federal prosecutor in New York for more than a decade, argued that district attorneys have not stopped the increase in such incidents. She told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that the state's chief legal officer needs to intervene more directly.

James, who has held the office since 2019, oversees more than 700 lawyers statewide. Her campaign rejected the criticism, stating she has consistently supported Jewish New Yorkers. Mark Treyger, chief executive of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, pointed to James's response to the anti-Israel backlash against Tsion Cafe in Harlem. He said James changed her statewide schedule to support the cafe's owner and followed up personally.

Komatireddy has pledged to declare a state of emergency on antisemitism if elected. James noted that only the governor holds that authority. Komatireddy explained that she intends to invoke a law allowing the attorney general to prosecute hate crimes when district attorneys are ineffective. She also plans to use existing civil rights law to create buffer zones outside Jewish schools and synagogues.

Support for James has come from prominent Jewish leaders and elected officials. At a press conference last week, outgoing US Representative Jerry Nadler, City Council Speaker Julie Menin, and six other Jewish Democratic officials endorsed her. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal cited James's efforts against housing discrimination affecting Hasidic families in Orange County and a Rockland County car wash that overcharged Orthodox Jews. The Crown Heights United PAC also endorsed James last month.

Komatireddy holds the endorsement of President Donald Trump. She is seeking to become the first Republican elected attorney general in New York in more than 30 years. Moshe Davis, who led the mayor's office to combat antisemitism under Eric Adams, said Komatireddy's message could draw Jewish voters away from James. He described James as a longstanding friend of Jewish New Yorkers but said he would not characterize her record as ignoring the issue.

A Siena poll conducted last month showed James ahead by 54% to 39%. The incumbent holds a six-point advantage in the New York City suburbs. Rabbi Elie Weinstock of Long Island's Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach said unease about antisemitic incidents is shaping voter concerns. He suggested that opposition to Democratic New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani could also steer some Jewish voters toward Komatireddy.

Both campaigns have had to clarify recent appearances. After Komatireddy posted an October video featuring Park Avenue Synagogue Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove offering blessings, he told JTA the visit occurred in winter or spring and was not an endorsement. Komatireddy also said she deleted a post featuring members of a Black Hebrew Israelite church after learning who they were. She said she rejected the group's hateful views.

Binyamin Krauss, principal of the Bronx Jewish school SAR Academy, disputed Komatireddy's characterization of James. He cited her support after two men were stabbed on Manhattan's Upper West Side over the summer. Krauss, who hosted James at the school last week, said disagreements over prosecution decisions did not justify that description. He emphasized that he was not endorsing a candidate.

The election is scheduled for Tuesday.