Attorney General Candidates Debate

November 5th, 2018

On Tuesday, Democrat Letitia James and Republican Keith Wofford, the leading candidates for state Attorney General, faced off in their only live televised debate before Election Day. (Watch the debate here.)

The Attorney General’s office became open in May when then-Attorney General Eric Schneiderman resigned in the wake of allegations of physical abuse by multiple women.  The Legislature chose Barbara Underwood to replace Schneiderman; she did not seek election for a full term.

New York City Public Advocate Letitia James is the frontrunner in the race.  James cited her experience as a state legislative staffer; as a New York City Council member; and as New York City Public Advocate.  James said that she will challenge the policies of the Trump administration; work to root out government corruption; will work with the governor and Legislature to enact ethics and campaign finance reforms; and promised to uphold protections for undocumented immigrants.

Keith Wofford is an attorney in private practice who specializes in bankruptcy and creditors rights. This is his first run for public office. He argues that the state’s next attorney general should not be a career politician but an independent professional. Wofford criticized James for being the governor’s “hand-picked” candidate who will not hold him and his administration accountable.