You’ve probably seen the headlines or caught a snippet of a news broadcast and wondered exactly when is Letitia James up for re-election in 2024? It’s a logical question. Most of us associate big election years with presidential cycles, and 2024 was undeniably massive. But if you were looking for her name on a ballot recently, you might have noticed something was missing.
The short answer? She wasn’t on the ballot.
Politics in New York can be a bit of a maze, especially with the way term lengths and election years overlap. Letitia "Tish" James, the 67th Attorney General of New York, is currently serving a term that doesn't expire until the end of 2026. While the rest of the country was focused on the White House and Congress, the "top cop" of the Empire State was already halfway through her second term.
The Confusion Around Letitia James Up for Re-election in 2024
A lot of folks get tripped up by the timing because James is constantly in the news. Whether it’s high-profile cases involving the Trump Organization or tackling the opioid crisis, her presence is so constant it feels like she’s always campaigning.
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Honestly, the confusion usually stems from the 2022 cycle. In New York, statewide offices like Governor, Comptroller, and Attorney General all run on a four-year cycle that hits during the "midterms"—the even-numbered years between presidential elections. James won her last re-election in November 2022. She beat Republican challenger Michael Henry with about 54% of the vote.
Because that win was relatively recent, she won't be back in the hot seat for a while. Her current term officially runs from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2026.
Why 2024 Felt Like an Election Year for Her
Even though her name wasn't on a ballot, 2024 was a pivotal year for her office. She spent much of the year in and out of courtrooms, specifically handling the civil fraud case against Donald Trump. That case resulted in a massive judgment—over $450 million including interest—which kept her in the national spotlight. When a politician is that visible during a presidential year, people naturally start asking if they can vote for (or against) them right then and there.
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Breaking Down the New York Election Timeline
If you're trying to mark your calendar, you have to look toward 2026. That is the next time the Attorney General's office will be up for grabs. Here is how the timeline basically looks:
- Last Election: November 8, 2022. James secured her second term here.
- Current Status: Serving the third year of a four-year term (as of 2025).
- Next Primary: June 2026.
- Next General Election: November 3, 2026.
New York doesn't have term limits for the Attorney General. This means she could technically run as many times as the voters will have her. She’s already signaled that she intends to seek a third term in 2026, and early projections from groups like Sabato’s Crystal Ball already list the seat as "Safe Democratic," though a lot can change in a year or two.
The Competition for 2026
Even though the 2024 window has passed, the gears for the 2026 race are already turning. We’ve seen names like Michael Henry (her 2022 opponent) popping up again, and rumors about various Republican challengers like Saritha Komatireddy or Khurram Dara are making the rounds. It’s early, but the political machinery never really stops.
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What This Means for New York Voters
Understanding that there was no Letitia James up for re-election in 2024 moment helps clear up the legislative fog. While she wasn't running for office, she was still using her authority to issue voter protection advisories and monitor election integrity during the 2024 cycle.
Basically, the Attorney General has a massive impact on how laws are enforced in the state, from consumer protection to environmental regulations. If you're a New Yorker, her decisions affect your daily life regardless of whether it's an election year or not.
Actionable Steps for Staying Informed
Since you won't be voting for the AG in 2024, here is what you can actually do to stay involved in the process:
- Check Your Registration: Even without a statewide AG race, local elections happen every year. Use the New York State Board of Elections portal to ensure your address is current.
- Monitor the 2026 Primary: If you want a say in who the candidates are, the June 2026 primary is actually more important than the November general for many New Yorkers.
- Follow the Case Filings: You can track the Attorney General's active litigation on the official ag.ny.gov website. This gives you a better idea of her performance than any campaign ad ever will.
- Engage with Local Reps: Remember that while James handles state-level law, your local District Attorney (DA) is the one handling most immediate criminal matters in your county. Those elections happen on different schedules.
Don't let the 2024 noise distract you from the actual calendar. James is in office for the long haul—at least through the end of 2026—and her focus remains on the courtroom rather than the campaign trail for the time being.