Albany – state attorney general Letitia James – whose report on sudden sexual harassment led to the resignation of the previous government. Andrew Cuomo – She will announce she is challenging incumbent Governor Cathy Hochhol in the 2022 Democratic primary, The Post has learned.
James called a union leader on Wednesday to notify the official that she plans to announce her campaign “soon,” according to a source.
Kimberly Beller Allen, James’s senior campaign adviser, issued a statement Wednesday saying, “Attorney General Letitia James has made a decision regarding the governor’s race. She will announce that in the coming days.”
“I heard she was making calls. She called me for money last week,” another source familiar with James’ thinking told The Post.
“She didn’t want to say she’s running for governor – even though we understood each other,” the source said, noting that James Ray added, “You know what I’d do.”
“Her problem is that Puerto Rico is next week,” the source said — referring to the Somos conference there on November 3 to November 7, which is expected to be heavily attended by prominent New York political figures — including James Hutchul and the likely candidate. New York City’s next mayor, Brooklyn Democrat Eric Adams.
“You’re going to go down to Puerto Rico and do a butt for a lot of people. You can’t be veiled in that. When you talk to people, you have to be blunt. That gives me some thought that she’ll announce before Puerto Rico,” the source speculated.
Another labor source, who asked not to be identified, said James has also been in talks with New York City Attorney General Juman Williams to talk to him about running for governor — and he’s refusing to agree.
Williams announced earlier this month that he had formed an exploratory committee for the campaign.
James has served as the attorney general since 2018, and prior to that was the city’s attorney general.
But in recent weeks, she has personally made calls to her supporters, according to sources, and has publicly told individuals to “stay tuned” regarding her future plans.
Its campaign committee has also begun internal polling efforts, according to two sources familiar with the dealings.
James’ office released a sexual harassment report on August 3, concluding that Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women and created a toxic work environment — a violation of “multiple” state and federal laws.
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