New York Attorney General Letitia James is dedicating her efforts to securing the Democratic nomination for Vice President Kamala Harris and ultimately helping her defeat Republican Donald Trump in the upcoming November election.
James, who won a significant civil fraud lawsuit against Trump earlier this year, emphasized the importance of voters recognizing the “existential threat” Trump represents during an appearance on MSNBC’s The ReidOut on Tuesday.
When asked about her potential role in a Harris administration, James told Joy Reid:
“I’m focused at this point in time on securing the nomination for Vice President Harris, and then ultimately getting her elected. That is my singular focus at this point in time, and continuing to stand up for the rule of law and representing the citizens of the great state of New York, as we do each and every day.”
James’ office and the Trump campaign were contacted for comment but did not respond immediately.
James’ dedication to Harris is expected to fuel Trump’s claims of a political vendetta against him. Trump has frequently accused James of conducting a “witch hunt” since she sued him for allegedly inflating his wealth on financial statements to deceive banks, insurers, and others.
In February, Judge Arthur Engoron ordered Trump to pay $355 million in penalties. With interest, the total has grown to over $470 million.
Trump’s legal team recently urged an appeals court to overturn this judgment, arguing that upholding it would grant James “limitless power to target anyone she desires, including her self-described political opponents,” as reported by The Associated Press.
A spokesperson for James’ office responded, “We won this case based on the facts and the law, and we are confident we will prevail on appeal.”
On The ReidOut, James said Republicans are “running very scared” after President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race and endorsed Harris. Harris quickly gained enough Democratic delegate support to become the expected nominee.
If nominated at the upcoming Democratic convention, she would be the first woman of color—Harris is of Black and South Asian descent—to top a major party’s ticket.
James condemned Republican attacks on Harris as a “DEI hire,” dismissing them as rooted in racism and sexism. She praised Harris as “overqualified” for the presidency, stating:
“Oftentimes she’s underestimated, but she’s an overachiever. And that’s why I have wholeheartedly endorsed her.”
Highlighting Harris’ qualifications, James said:
“Harris is a woman who has the receipts and has been in the best position to go after Donald Trump and to defend the values that we hold so dear, most importantly, reproductive rights.”
Contrasting Harris with Trump, James criticized the former president as “an individual who will stoop to certain lows to achieve his objective,” lacking concern for the rule of law, working-class interests, or national unity. “It’s all about how he can benefit himself and his family,” she said. “And that’s why all of us must march to the polls in quiet dignity and vote, because there’s so much at stake.”
Stressing the urgency, James concluded:
“It’s critically important that individuals understand that he represents an existential threat to all that we believe in. That’s why we must stand together and elect Vice President Harris.”
