[ad_1]
State Attorney General Letitia James’ reelection bid to remain the state’s top lawyer has cleared the once-crowded Democratic primary field, as several candidates announced Monday they’re calling it quits.
James dropped out of the governor’s race last week, a surprising move after spending barely two months on the campaign trial.
Two declared candidates for AG – state Assemblyman Clyde Vanel (D-Queens) and former superintendent of New York’s Department of Financial Services Maria Vullo – announced that they will suspend their campaigns and instead back James for the job.
“In light of Attorney General James’ announcement last week that she will suspend her campaign for NYS Governor, I will suspend my campaign to be the next New York State Attorney General,” Vanel said in a statement.
Their exits follow that of Fordham University law professor and 2014 failed gubernatorial candidate Zephyr Teachout, who on Sunday said she too would end her campaign in light of James’ decision.
State Sen. Shelley Mayer (D-Westchester) and ex-federal prosecutor Daniel Goldman also ended their short-lived candidacies after James’ reentry.
Sources said potential AG hopeful Deputy Majority Leader State Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) – who had yet to even declare his candidacy – no longer intends to run.
Others who had previously thought about making a run, such as Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez, are also expected to stay out of the contest, sources said.
[ad_2]