New York State Attorney General Letitia James has suspended her run for governor, instead announcing she would run for reelection as attorney general to âto complete the work New Yorkers elected me to do.â
âI have come to the conclusion that I must continue my work as attorney general,â James said in a statement Thursday.
âThere are a number of important investigations and cases that are underway, and I intend to finish the job.â
The announcement came the same day it was reported James is seeking former President Donald Trumpâs testimony in an ongoing civil investigation into his business practices. The Associated Press reports James has called for a Jan. 7 deposition.
James has long been investigating Trump in her role as attorney general, and also ran the high profile investigation into former Governor Andrew Cuomo, which ultimately led to his resignation.
She launched her run for governor in October on a progressive platform and would have been the first Black woman governor nationwide if elected.
New York State Democratic Chairman Jay S. Jacobs said in a statement that James' decision exemplified her "deep and genuine concern for what was best for the people of our state."
"I supported Tish James in her quest to become Attorney General in 2018 because I saw in her something unique for someone in political life â" She united Democrats for the sake of the Party, which she again put over her own interests," Jacobs said.
"I admire Tish James and look forward to working with her in her re-election for Attorney General."
Jamesâ departure from the race leaves two confirmed candidates, current Governor Kathy Hochul and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. Mayor Bill de Blasio has also been reported as considering a run for the position.