Mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani and his leftist allies are voicing their support for state Attorney General Letitia James amid her current legal challenges.
During a passionate press conference in Manhattan, Mamdani came to James’s defense against what he described as politically motivated actions from the Trump administration. He suggested that the mortgage fraud charges against her were an example of political vendetta.
Mamdani expressed his outrage over the recent federal indictment of James for bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution, labeling it a “clear miscarriage of justice” and a “shameless act of political revenge.”
He also remarked, “Instead of prosecuting Tish James for fulfilling her duties, Donald Trump should focus on doing his own job.”
Last year, James secured a civil ruling against Trump and the Trump Organization for inflating the value of their real estate holdings, which resulted in a hefty $355 million fine. This, however, was later dismissed following an appeal and backlash from Trump.
The event, aptly dubbed “Hate Trump, Love James,” showcased the growing political connection between Mamdani and James as both have been unwavering critics of Trump.
Although James had originally backed City Council President Adrian Adams in the Democratic mayoral primary, she switched her support to Mamdani after his surprising success in June, according to reports.
Additionally, she has met with Governor Kathy Hochul multiple times behind closed doors before her unexpected endorsement of Mamdani last month.
James has also offered guidance to Mamdani in the wake of the tragic midtown shooting that claimed the life of an NYPD officer in July.
Adams, alongside other progressive Democrats, participated in a pro-James event hosted by Mamdani, while taking jabs at former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani’s opponent in the mayoral race.
“James recognized your true nature right from the start and hasn’t changed her perspective,” Adams remarked regarding Cuomo.
In a broader criticism, he added, “Even at opposite ends of the spectrum, Trump still manipulates your actions.”
Cuomo is no supporter of James, having faced a sexual harassment investigation launched by her in 2021, which led to his resignation.
While other Democrats denounced the charges against James, Cuomo responded with tepid statements. His name was notably absent in his comments on social media.
Cuomo later elaborated on his stance, condemning the misuse of the justice system regardless of political affiliation. “What Trump’s Justice Department did was wrong, and so is what Democrats are doing,” he asserted. “It needs to be uniformly criticized.”
He expressed personal experience with political weaponization, citing the White House’s actions against him and commenting on the erosion of public trust in the justice system as a consequence.
