Leading Candidate Declares Victory In New York Attorney General Race

Updated 10:43p.m.

NEW YORK — Incumbent New York Attorney General Letitia James has declared victory in her race against

"New York, it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as your Attorney General, and I am proud that you re-elected me to serve for four more years," told a crowd gathered in Brooklyn. "Today, New Yorkers showed what our state is made of. Over the past four years, we have worked tirelessly to make New York a fairer and more just place for all, and tonight is an affirmation of all that we have accomplished."

The move came with just over 65 percent of the votes reporting, and incumbent Democrat Letitia James with 2,886,708 votes has opened a double digit lead against Republican challenger Saritha Komatireddy with 1,689,416 votes in the initial unofficial tally.

"Thank you to everyone who supported my campaign," James said. "Thank you to every volunteer. Thank you to every community leader and elected official that joined our team. And most importantly: Thank you to every New Yorker who knew what was on the line and came out to vote. I promise to keep fighting for the rights of every person in our great state and ensure the rule of law is applied equally to everyone. Thank you, New York"

The shadow of the Office of the President of the United States loomed large over the race between a Republican career federal prosecutor and the Democrat incumbent. Ultimately, the race focused on the politics of law and order.

The campaigns have drawn stark contrasts between the candidates, but beyond the traded barbs, the two fundamentally disagree about what the job they are running for involves.

The candidates used their only in-person debate to highlight that very issue.

Republican challenger Saritha Komatireddy's campaign has staked out a defiant tough position on crime in the race against the incumbent, Democrat Letitia James.

The incumbent touted her record of removing illegal guns from the streets, prosecuting members of gangs, and winning huge judgments against opioid manufacturers.

James insisted that one of the most important ways her administration has helped make New Yorkers safer is by standing up to the Trump administration.