By love-89.com New York State Attorney General Letitia James has reportedly begun contemplating a run for New York City mayor, particularly in light of the federal corruption charges against current mayor Eric Adams. Sources indicate that if former Governor Andrew Cuomo decides to enter the race, James is more likely to take the plunge herself in order to oppose him. Should she win, James would make history as the first female mayor of New York City.
According to a report in The New York Times, which cited at least five individuals close to James, she hasn’t ruled out the possibility of running, although her position appears somewhat hesitant. However, Cuomo’s potential candidacy could serve as a significant motivator for her to enter the race. Moreover, it has been suggested that James privately hopes other candidates within the Democratic primary might step aside, making her path to victory more straightforward. Early signals indicate that some contenders may indeed consider this option.
Delaney Kempner, a spokesperson for James, declined to comment on the speculation around her candidacy, noting only that she is currently focused on supporting Vice President Kamala Harris.
As two of the most formidable figures in the running, both James and Cuomo have yet to officially announce their intentions to campaign for mayor, but neither has dismissed the idea, especially if Adams resigns early and a special election is called. Their longstanding rivalry was a key factor in Cuomo’s resignation in 2021, which stemmed from a report by James detailing allegations of workplace sexual harassment against him.
James has a political career spanning 21 years, having served as a New York City council member and public advocate, and she also ran for governor in 2021. She is known for her aggressive challenges to powerful figures and advocacy for marginalized communities. Kathryn Wylde, chair of the business group Partnership for New York City, which has supported Adams, mentioned that if Adams cannot secure reelection, James would be an appealing candidate who could attract backing from both the business and labor sectors. Similarly, John Samuelsen, head of the Transport Workers Union of America and an ally of Adams, expressed his support for James.