A fierce rematch is on the horizon as Republican Michael Henry aims at Attorney General Letitia James in a bid to reshape New York's legal leadership.
The New York Post reported that Henry has declared his intention to challenge Democrat Letitia James in the upcoming 2026 New York Attorney General election.
In 2022, Michael Henry, at the age of 43, contested the New York Attorney General position but was defeated by incumbent Democrat Letitia James. James secured the office with 3.2 million votes, amounting to 54.6% of the total, while Henry garnered 45.4%, translating to 2.6 million votes. The margin of 500,000 votes underscored a sharply divided electorate.
Following his defeat, Henry did not retreat from the political arena. Instead, he attempted to become the state Republican Party chairman but was unsuccessful, losing to Ed Cox. This experience, however, did not deter him from his political ambitions, leading to his recent announcement to run again.
Recently, Henry has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the 2026 electoral race by filing papers with the state Board of Elections for the Republican primary. This move marks the beginning of what promises to be a heated campaigning period leading up to the election.
Henry’s campaign has been vocal about his criticisms of James’s performance as Attorney General. He accuses her of partisanship, particularly highlighting her legal actions against former President Donald Trump.
A pivotal lawsuit under James led to a significant ruling in February where a New York judge found Trump guilty of inflating his net worth by billions, resulting in a $350 million fine and a temporary business ban in New York—a decision Trump is currently appealing.
Apart from his critiques of the Trump case, Henry also accuses James of neglecting critical issues such as antisemitism and unrest on college campuses. He specifically points to the situation at Columbia University, where James serves as an adjunct professor, suggesting a conflict of interest in her prosecutorial decisions.
The Republican challenger also lambasted James for her handling of the migrant crisis and her alleged absence in debates, which he interpreted as an avoidance tactic. “New Yorkers deserve better,” Henry stated, emphasizing a need for a change in leadership to address what he calls the "misuse of the Attorney General’s office."
During his previous campaign, Henry was a strong advocate for stricter bail laws and enjoyed the backing of multiple police unions. These endorsements came at a time when law enforcement agencies were experiencing intense scrutiny nationwide, and his stance resonated with certain voter segments who favored tough-on-crime policies.
Henry’s rhetoric has been sharply critical of James, accusing her of using her office for political gains rather than serving justice. “The misuse of the Attorney General’s office by Letitia James is a blatant assault on the principles of justice and fairness that our system should embody,” Henry expressed, framing the election as a battle for the integrity of New York's judiciary.
In his most impassioned plea, Henry called upon supporters to help overthrow what he views as James's "flagrant abuse of power."
He highlighted their close results in the last election as a sign of achievable victory. “We came close in the last election, and with your crucial support, we will triumph this time to defend the people of New York,” he declared.
In response to Henry’s criticisms and campaign announcements, Javier Gomez, spokesperson for Letitia James, stated that the Attorney General will continue her efforts to "fight for everyday New Yorkers by holding those in power accountable," subtly alluding to continuing cases like that against Trump.
This statement underscores a fundamental difference in approach and philosophy between James and Henry, setting the stage for a deeply contested election.
As the electoral battle lines are drawn, both camps are gearing up for what promises to be a significant political showdown. The contrasting visions for New York’s legal and justice system will be at the forefront of this campaign, with voters once again deciding who they believe can best represent their interests and uphold the rule of law.
In conclusion, Michael Henry’s renewed challenge against Letitia James in the 2026 Attorney General election sets the stage for a rematch fueled by past grievances and differing views on justice and partisanship. His campaign focuses heavily on James’s treatment of high-profile cases and her overall conduct in office, advocating for a significant overhaul in how the state handles its legal battles and governance. As election day approaches, voters will be closely watching both candidates' moves, making this one of the most anticipated political contests in New York’s recent history.