If you’ve ever tuned into a New York press conference or scrolled through a heated legal thread on social media, you’ve likely seen the name Letitia "Tish" James. She’s the one at the podium. Since 2019, James has served as the 67th Attorney General of New York, a role that basically makes her the state's most powerful lawyer.
She isn't just another politician in a suit. Tish James is a trailblazer. When she won her seat, she became the first woman of color to hold statewide office in New York. She also happens to be the first woman ever elected to the position of Attorney General in the Empire State.
Why the NY Attorney General Actually Matters
Most people think of the Attorney General (AG) as just a prosecutor. It’s way more than that. The AG’s office is essentially the "people's lawyer." They go after corporate giants, look into government corruption, and handle cases that affect everything from your rent to the air you breathe.
Honestly, the NY AG's office has a reputation for being a giant-slayer. Because New York is a global financial hub, the state's AG has unique tools like the Martin Act, which gives them massive power to investigate financial fraud. If a big bank or a massive corporation steps out of line, it’s usually the NY Attorney General who leads the charge.
The Story of Letitia James: From Brooklyn to Albany
Tish James didn’t just wake up one day and decide to sue the biggest names in the world. She’s a "proud Brooklynite" through and through. She grew up in Park Slope and went to public schools before heading to Lehman College and then Howard University School of Law.
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Before she was the top cop in NY, she was the New York City Public Advocate. That’s a watchdog role. She basically spent years being a thorn in the side of city agencies that weren't doing their jobs. She also served on the New York City Council for a decade, representing Brooklyn's 35th District.
Her rise to the AG office in 2018 was a huge shift. She succeeded Barbara Underwood (who was appointed after Eric Schneiderman resigned). Since then, she's been re-elected, most recently in 2022, after a very brief flirtation with running for Governor.
The Headlines: Trump, the NRA, and Opioids
You can’t talk about who is the NY Attorney General without mentioning the cases that made her a household name across the country.
- The Trump Civil Fraud Case: This is the big one. James brought a massive civil lawsuit against Donald Trump and the Trump Organization. In February 2024, Judge Arthur Engoron ruled in her favor, ordering Trump to pay hundreds of millions in penalties for inflating asset values.
- The NRA Lawsuit: She took on the National Rifle Association, alleging years of self-dealing and mismanagement by its leadership.
- Opioid Settlements: Her office has been instrumental in clawing back billions of dollars from companies that fueled the opioid epidemic. We’re talking over $2.5 billion secured for New York alone to fund treatment and prevention.
Recent News and the 2026 Election
As we move through 2026, the political landscape is getting pretty intense. James is still in the thick of it. Just this month, in January 2026, she filed an amicus brief supporting the New York Times in a lawsuit against the Department of Defense over press access at the Pentagon. She’s also been active in suing the current administration over offshore wind projects and defending childcare funding.
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But it hasn't all been smooth sailing. Late in 2025, James faced a federal indictment involving bank fraud allegations, though a judge dismissed the case in November 2025 after ruling the prosecution was politically motivated. In early 2026, a judge even disqualified a federal prosecutor who was trying to investigate her office, calling the inquiry "without lawful authority."
Who is Running for NY Attorney General Next?
Believe it or not, the next election is right around the corner. The general election is set for November 3, 2026.
James has already announced she’s running for a third term. On the Republican side, candidates like Saritha Komatireddy, a former federal prosecutor, and Michael Henry have been discussed as potential challengers. There’s also Khurram Dara, a regulatory attorney who has expressed interest in the race.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Office
A common misconception is that the AG can just throw anyone in jail. While they do have a Criminal Justice Division, a huge chunk of what they do is civil law. They sue for money, for changes in policy, or to shut down fraudulent businesses.
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Another thing? People think the AG works for the Governor. Nope. The AG is an independently elected official. Tish James doesn't report to Governor Kathy Hochul; she’s her own boss. This independence is why the office is often at the center of political drama.
Actionable Insights: How the AG Can Help You
If you live in New York, you don’t just watch the AG on the news—you can actually use their services.
- Consumer Fraud: If a company scammed you or didn't deliver what they promised, you can file a formal complaint through the AG's website. They have a dedicated bureau for this.
- Tenant Rights: Dealing with a "slumlord" or having your security deposit illegally withheld? The AG’s office often issues guidance and takes action against predatory landlords.
- Data Breaches: When a big company loses your personal data, it’s usually the AG’s office that negotiates the settlement that might end up putting a few bucks back in your pocket.
- Medicaid Fraud: They have a massive unit (the MFCU) that investigates people stealing from health care systems.
If you suspect something illegal is happening in your industry or neighborhood, you can submit tips anonymously. The office handles tens of thousands of complaints every year.
To stay updated on the 2026 race or to check the status of a specific settlement, the official ag.ny.gov website is the only place you should trust for the most current filings and press releases.