James and Komatireddy Clash Over Cornell Case and Trump in Attorney General Debate

Attorney General Letitia James and her Republican challenger, Saritha Komatireddy, met Thursday, Oct. 8, for a debate before the Nov. 3 election.

Komatireddy, a longtime federal prosecutor making her first run for office, opened by attacking James's tenure. "New Yorkers, you do not have an attorney general right now," she said. "For the last eight years, you've had a political hack sitting in the chair using our taxpayer money for her political purposes." James answered: "It's important that individuals understand that my opponent knows nothing about the office of the attorney general."

Komatireddy said she would create an office of civil commitment for the severely mentally ill.

The Cornell University sexual assault investigation drew the sharpest exchange. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order on Oct. 1 appointing James special prosecutor for an alleged assault in Tompkins County on Oct. 19-20, 2024, the subject of a lawsuit filed Sept. 16. Komatireddy said James has never prosecuted a sexual assault case and "she's already screwed this one up by prejudging it." James said her comments "demonstrate empathy, and what we need now more than ever in our body politics is more empathy," and that the investigation will follow the facts and evidence.

James repeatedly turned to President Trump, who has endorsed Komatireddy. "You unfortunately have not said anything critical of this administration and you won't because you're basically auditioning for another position," James said. Komatireddy said she would protect New Yorkers "whether it's against President Trump or President AOC." She said she has met Trump once, for about 30 seconds, and noted that she worked under President Barack Obama. James said Trump "recognizes that you won't stand up."