Zephyr Teachout drops out of New York attorney general race

Zephyr Teachout (D) is dropping out of New York’s attorney general race after incumbent Letitia James (D) ended her own campaign for governor.

“Our campaign for NY Attorney General has always been rooted in doing the best for New Yorkers. Attorney General Letitia James is an exceptional leader and dedicated public servant,” Teachout, a law professor, said in a statement on Sunday. 

“I strongly support Attorney General James in her re-election and her critical fights to deliver justice for the people of New York,” she added. 

My full statement on my campaign is below, but most importantly, thank you, New York: pic.twitter.com/RlMvR5ccXR

— Zephyr Teachout (@ZephyrTeachout) December 12, 2021

James announced in October that she would run for state governor, setting up a high-profile primary with Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), but ended her campaign last week, saying she had unfinished business as attorney general. 

“There are a number of important investigations and cases that are underway, and I intend to finish the job,” James said in a brief statement Thursday. “I am running for re-election to complete the work New Yorkers elected me to do.”

Reports also emerged last week that James was seeking a deposition from former President Trump and moving to subpoena him as part of a civil investigation into alleged fraud within the Trump Organization. 

Teachout lost the 2018 Democratic primary for New York attorney general to James, and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) defeated her for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2014.