ALBANY — The five Republican leaders from New York City have rallied behind a candidate looking to challenge indicted state Attorney General Letitia James in the upcoming election, according to sources from The Post.
Michael Henry, who is making a second attempt to unseat James after a close race in 2022, proudly announces the support of the five GOP committee chairs from each borough.
“He understands the challenges New Yorkers face and will stand firm against political pressure and partisan attacks,” Brooklyn GOP Chair Liam McCabe stated.
Henry, a seasoned commercial litigator, secured 45% of the vote in his previous attempt against James in 2022, marking a notable achievement for a Republican, as McCabe highlighted, and noted that Henry has traveled extensively across all 62 counties to engage with voters directly.
As of late June, Henry reported having approximately $275,000 in campaign funds and intends to utilize the state’s matching fund program for small donations.
“Michael embodies the sensible, law-and-order mindset essential for this city and state. Letitia James has let down New Yorkers; Michael will not fail them,” asserted Staten Island GOP Chair Michael Tannousis.
In response to James’ recent fraud indictment, Henry denounced the practice of using the law as a political weapon.
“New Yorkers deserve an Attorney General who will uphold the law impartially and not use it for political gains. Together, we will restore justice, integrity, and accountability to New York,” Henry expressed in a statement.
Henry has also secured the endorsement of North Country Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who is expected to run against Gov. Kathy Hochul in the upcoming gubernatorial race.
“Letitia James has weaponized the Attorney General’s Office for her political ends rather than serving justice,” remarked Bronx GOP Chair Mike Rendino.
Additionally, Queens GOP Chair Tony Nunziato and Manhattan GOP Chair Andrea Catsimatidis have endorsed Henry.
James, having first been elected AG in 2018, faced recent charges involving bank fraud and false statements related to alleged inaccuracies on a mortgage application for her Virginia home.
According to federal prosecutors in Virginia, James could have gained up to $19,000 in loan benefits based on her application.
She firmly denies these allegations.
During her first public appearance since the indictment, at a campaign rally for mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on Monday, James staunchly asserted: “I will not back down!”
The Attorney General’s office communicated to The Post that James will not utilize a $10 million legal defense fund funded by taxpayers, which state lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul assigned for her earlier this year.
