Jewish leaders split over attorney general race as antisemitism takes center stage

Antisemitism has emerged as a central wedge issue in New York’s attorney general race, dividing prominent Jewish leaders and elected officials ahead of Tuesday’s election. Republican challenger Saritha Komatireddy argues that Democratic incumbent Letitia James has failed to respond adequately to rising hate crimes, while James’ supporters counter that she has consistently defended Jewish New Yorkers.

A Siena poll conducted last month showed James leading Komatireddy by 54 percent to 39 percent. The incumbent holds a six-point advantage in the New York City suburbs. Rabbi Elie Weinstock of Long Island’s Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that unease over recent antisemitic incidents is shaping voter concerns. He suggested that opposition to Democratic Mayor Zohran Mamdani could also push some Jewish voters toward the Republican candidate.

Komatireddy, a former federal prosecutor with more than a decade of experience, promised to declare a “state of emergency on antisemitism” if elected. She plans to invoke a state law that allows the attorney general to prosecute hate crimes when district attorneys are ineffective. She also proposed using existing civil rights laws to create buffer zones outside Jewish schools and synagogues. James, who has served as attorney general since 2019, oversees more than 700 lawyers statewide. She told JTA that only the governor has the authority to declare a state of emergency.

James’ campaign rejected the criticism, stating that she has pursued those who targeted Jewish communities. Mark Treyger, chief executive of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, cited her support for the owner of Tsion Cafe in Harlem during an anti-Israel backlash. He said James altered her statewide schedule to visit the cafe and personally followed up on her offer of help. At a press conference last week, outgoing U.S. Representative Jerry Nadler, City Council Speaker Julie Menin, and six other Jewish Democratic officials endorsed James.

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal highlighted James’ efforts against housing discrimination affecting Hasidic families in Orange County. He also pointed to her actions against a Rockland County car wash that overcharged Orthodox Jews. Crown Heights United PAC, representing parts of the heavily Orthodox neighborhood, endorsed James last month. James previously represented Crown Heights on the City Council.

Komatireddy has received an endorsement from President Donald Trump. She is seeking to become New York’s first Republican elected attorney general in more than 30 years. Moshe Davis, who led the mayor’s office to combat antisemitism under Eric Adams, predicted her message could draw Jewish voters away from James. He described James as a longstanding friend of the community but said he would not necessarily characterize her record as ignoring antisemitism.

Some campaign appearances have required clarification. After Komatireddy shared an October video of Park Avenue Synagogue Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove offering blessings, he told JTA that the visit occurred in winter or spring and was not an endorsement. Komatireddy also deleted a post featuring members of a Black Hebrew Israelite church after learning their identities, stating she rejected the group’s hateful views. Binyamin Krauss, principal of the Bronx Jewish school SAR Academy, disputed Komatireddy’s characterization of James. He cited James’ support after two men were stabbed on the Upper West Side over the summer and said he was not endorsing a candidate.

The race highlights the tension between procedural authority and perceived responsiveness. While James controls the state’s largest legal office, Komatireddy argues that current district attorney efforts have not stopped the increase in hate crimes. Both candidates are vying for a constituency that values both institutional strength and visible advocacy.