Indian-American Republican Saritha Komatireddy, who is challenging incumbent New York Attorney General Letitia James, secured the endorsement of the New York Post editorial board on Friday, 24 October 2026, as early voting opened across New York state. The high-profile backing marks a significant development in a race that has drawn national attention.

What the New York Post Said

'The Post enthusiastically endorses Saritha Komatireddy over Attorney General Letitia James,' the paper's editorial board wrote. The endorsement described Komatireddy as 'a career prosecutor who's worked under both parties to put away terrorists, cartel members, cybercriminals and other bad guys' — and praised her stated intent to use the full powers of the attorney general's office to 'crack down on crime, including fraud and corruption, as well as making the streets safe.' The headline accompanying the editorial called James a 'political hack.' The Post also endorsed Republican Bruce Blakeman for governor and Congressman Mike Lawler in the 17th congressional district.

Komatireddy's Background and Campaign Pitch

Komatireddy, 41, is a former federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn, where she handled cases spanning international terrorism, cybercrime, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and public corruption. She told the Post that crime has touched her own family directly. 'We've had a member of my family assaulted in the subway, taking my kids to school. We have a family friend who had a stray bullet come through her bedroom while she was sleeping,' she said. Komatireddy added: 'New Yorkers don't feel safe, they feel less safe now than when Tish James began as attorney general and the reason is simple: They are less safe now. She stopped doing the job.'

The Poll Numbers and James's Response

Komatireddy's campaign has been highlighting an internal poll by OnMessage Inc., first reported by the Post on 18 October, which showed James leading 50.7% to 44.7% among 1,000 likely voters surveyed from 12 to 14 October. Notably, among the one in five respondents who watched the candidates' 8 October debate, Komatireddy led 81% to 19%, according to the same poll. A separate Siena College survey last month placed James ahead by 13 points. The James campaign dismissed the internal poll, with a spokeswoman saying: 'Saritha Komatireddy wouldn't protect New Yorkers from fraudsters or the federal government, because they're the ones propping up her candidacy. Trump endorsed her, and she'd repay him by looking the other way while he sows chaos in New York.' The editorial also quoted James as saying the attorney general's job is 'focused on civil matters and not criminal matters.'

James's Record and the Stakes

Letitia James, a Democrat, was first elected attorney general in 2018 and won re-election in 2022. She drew national attention for her civil fraud case against President Donald Trump and his company — a case that has become a defining issue in the campaign, with James's allies framing it as courageous accountability and her critics alleging political motivation. Komatireddy shared the New York Post endorsement on X, where she also posted a new campaign advertisement focused on homelessness on Friday.

Early Voting and What Comes Next

Early voting in New York runs from 24 October to 1 November, with the general election scheduled for 3 November. The race is being watched as a bellwether for how Indian-American candidates perform in competitive statewide contests, and as a test of whether public safety concerns can overcome a significant Democratic registration advantage in New York.