Tish James wins AG primary
Tish James wins AG primary
“We did it.”
Public Advocate Letitia James won a four-way Democratic primary race for Attorney General, bringing her closer to becoming the first black female to hold statewide elected office- and those were her first words at the dais as she spoke to supporters late on Tuesday night.
After Eric Schneiderman abruptly resigned in May amid accusations of physical abuse against women, it opened up a crowded field on the Democratic ticket.
Challenging James were attorney Zephyr Teachout, U.S. Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, and Verizon executive Leecia Eve.
Polls had predicted a close race, with one poll over the summer indicating that more than 40 percent of voters were undecided.
On Thursday, James earned 40.5 percent of vote with Teachout getting 31.1 percent, Maloney 25 percent and Eve 3.5 percent.
“For those of you who did not vote for me, did not support me, I hope you give me a chance to introduce myself for you, and to earn your respect.”
James was endorsed by Governor Andrew Cuomo and prominent Democratic elected officials, as well as numerous labor unions.
She will face a Republican candidate, attorney Republican Keith Wofford, in the general election in November.
