GARDEN CITY, N.Y. (Diya TV) — New York Republicans on Tuesday nominated former federal prosecutor Saritha Komatireddy to challenge Democratic Attorney General Letitia James in November. Party leaders avoided a bruising primary after a second candidate dropped out at the last minute during the state GOP convention on Long Island.
Komatireddy secured the nomination with strong support from county leaders across the state. Her victory helped solidify the Republican statewide ticket as it lines up behind gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman.
Komatireddy won 84% of the weighted vote at the convention. Her only rival, Khurram Dara, received 14% and exited the race shortly after the vote. In her acceptance speech, Komatireddy focused on public safety and crime. She highlighted her past work as a prosecutor with the Eastern District of New York.
“While I was chasing terrorists across the Middle East, I saw right here in my backyard in New York, public safety completely deteriorated,” Komatireddy said. She pledged to take a tough stance against crime and what she called political overreach.
“From now until November,r I will prosecute the political case against Letitia James, and unlike her, I win my cases,” she said to loud applause.
Komatireddy now faces James, a Democrat seeking reelection as New York attorney general. James has held the office since 2019 and has become a prominent national figure through high-profile investigations.
Dara, a cryptocurrency entrepreneur, had campaigned on reforming what he described as New York’s strict business and regulatory climate. He argued that the attorney general’s office has expanded its influence over industries and financial markets.
“New York’s office of the attorney general has become one of the most powerful offices in the country,” Dara said during his speech. He claimed the office has regulated entire industries and increased costs for businesses and consumers.
Despite traveling statewide and lobbying party leaders, Dara failed to gain enough support. Sources at the convention said Blakeman’s team had urged him to withdraw before the vote. Dara did not step aside until after the results became clear. The race shifted dramatically weeks earlier when Michael Henry, the GOP’s 2022 attorney general nominee, ended his campaign. His withdrawal cleared the path for a new Republican standard-bearer.
The GOP convention also advanced other statewide candidates. Delegates nominated Wall Street investor Joseph Hernandez for state comptroller. Hernandez promised to bring accountability to Albany. He criticized Democratic leadership and called for tighter oversight of public funds.
“Accountability is unfortunately something not so common in today’s politics, especially in Albany,” Hernandez said. “We’re going to bring accountability back.”
Hernandez also pledged to invest $1 billion from the state’s pension fund into Israeli bonds. He said the move would support a key U.S. ally while generating returns for retirees. Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, is expected to receive the party’s nomination for governor on Wednesday. His running mate, Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood, will join the ticket as the candidate for lieutenant governor.
New York Republicans face a steep climb in November. No Republican has won statewide office since former Gov. George Pataki secured reelection in 2002. Democrats have dominated statewide races for more than two decades. Still, GOP leaders at the convention expressed optimism. They pointed to voter concerns about crime, public safety, and the cost of living. They also criticized what they called one-party rule in Albany.
The attorney general race could draw national attention. James has led several high-profile legal battles involving major corporations and political figures. Republicans argue that she has used the office to pursue political goals. Democrats counter that she has enforced the law and protected consumers. Komatireddy will need to unite Republicans and attract independent voters to compete in a heavily Democratic state. She plans to campaign on law enforcement experience, public safety, and government accountability.
The general election will take place in November. Both parties expect a competitive and closely watched contest for New York attorney general, as well as other key statewide offices.
