A Super PAC heavily funded by Knicks owner James Dolan is investing significantly to support Republican attorney general candidate Saritha Komatireddy.
Strong and Safe New York, which has previously focused on bolstering Bruce Blakeman's gubernatorial campaign, is launching a seven-figure billboard campaign across Long Island, Westchester, and Rockland counties to promote Komatireddy's platform.
“New York finally has a chance to restore safety and security by electing Saritha Komatireddy as the next Attorney General,” said Carson Steelman, a spokesperson for Strong and Safe New York. “For too long, New Yorkers have been failed by politicians like Governor Hochul and AG Letitia James, who have pushed soft-on-crime policies and put their own political ambitions ahead of the safety of our citizens.”
The billboards aim to highlight Komatireddy's pro-safety agenda and criticize the incumbent, Attorney General Letitia James, and Governor Kathy Hochul for policies that Steelman described as “soft-on-crime.”
Komatireddy, a former federal prosecutor, has recently gained traction, particularly after a strong performance in a debate where she challenged James on issues such as the state's cashless bail law and James's record on hate crimes and Medicaid fraud. Komatireddy previously served as chief of staff for the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted high-profile cases involving international terrorism, cybercrime, and narcotics trafficking as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of New York. She also clerked for then-Judge Brett Kavanaugh.
James's campaign criticized the Super PAC's support for Komatireddy, characterizing her as Donald Trump's "handpicked candidate" and accusing the PAC of being funded by "billionaire cronies."
In deep blue New York, Komatireddy faces an uphill battle against James. Democrats significantly outnumber Republicans in registered voters, and no Republican has won a statewide election in New York since 2002. James, who is seeking her second term, previously served as New York City’s public advocate and a Brooklyn councilwoman. Her tenure as Attorney General has included prosecuting former President Trump and his business for alleged fraudulent practices and initiating the investigation into former Governor Andrew Cuomo's alleged sexual misconduct.
The attorney general role in New York carries a salary of $220,000, with a four-year term. Election Day is scheduled for November 3rd.