Republican Khurram Dara challenges Letitia James for NY Attorney General

Republican Khurram Dara has entered the race for New York State Attorney General, setting up a challenge against Democratic incumbent Letitia James. The 36-year-old launched his campaign with sharp criticism of James’ regulatory approach and what he calls 'lawfare' against Republicans and the crypto industry.

James, 67, is seeking a third term but faces her own legal troubles, including federal bank mortgage fraud charges. Dara, a former Bain Capital Crypto executive and Council on Foreign Relations member, has promised to enforce state laws fairly if elected. He also vowed to improve New York’s business environment, arguing that current policies stifle growth.

His primary opponent, Michael Henry, has the support of Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and several county GOP leaders. Henry previously ran against James in 2022 but lost.

James has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, filing multiple lawsuits against his administration. One high-profile case—a civil fraud trial against the Trump Organization—initially resulted in a $454 million judgement. However, the ruling was later overturned on appeal, and James has since filed an appeal of her own.

Dara’s campaign will test whether Republican voters prefer his financial and policy background over Henry’s prior experience in the race. The upcoming primary will decide who faces James in November. If elected, Dara has pledged to shift the office’s focus toward business-friendly policies and reduced litigation. James, meanwhile, continues to defend her record while battling ongoing legal challenges.