New York Attorney General Leticia “Tish” James announced last Thursday, December 9th that she will be dropping out of the NY Governor race and running for re-election, the chess pieces in the crowded statewide races continue to move. Shortly afterward State Senator Shelley Mayer announced she will drop her bid for New York State Attorney General. On Monday, December 13th, Assemblyman Clyde Vanel announced he too will be suspending his campaign to become the next Attorney General of New York State. Attorney and Fordham University law professor Zephyr Teachout also announced she is dropping out of the race as well.
In light of Attorney General James’ announcement last week that she will suspend her campaign for NYS Governor, I will suspend my campaign to be the next New York State Attorney General.
One, I support the awesome work and investigations that General James is leading in the office of NY Attorney General.
Two, I haven’t had the opportunity to have much time on my statewide campaign, yet I was able to meet many New Yorkers across the state and fight for the issues that are important to them. I will run for reelection for New York State assembly for the 33rd assembly district and fight for those same issues for my district and all New Yorkers.
I will focus on economic justice, public safety and consumer protection for all New Yorkers. Lastly, I am truly humbled by all the support that I have received from my family, supporters and New Yorkers across the state. My work continues. Thank you.
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.
Assembly member Clyde Vanel was elected to the New York State Assembly on November 8, 2016. He serves the 33rd Assembly district of Queens, New York, encompassing the neighborhoods of Cambria Heights, St. Albans, Hollis, Queens Village, Bellerose and parts of Floral Park.
Vanel is an attorney, entrepreneur, private pilot and community advocate from Cambria Heights, New York. He previously served as the Chief of Staff for New York State Senator James Sanders Jr. Clyde Vanel is the owner and operator of Vanel Law Firm, P.C. where he focuses on intellectual property law, business law and wills and estate planning. Clyde is also an Internet entrepreneur. He is the owner and operator of TrademarkReady.com which provides trademark filing and protection services. Additionally, Clyde was the owner and operator of Vanel on First; a restaurant, bar and lounge in lower Manhattan for five years.
While Assemblyman Vanel, Zephyr Teachout and Sen. Mayer won’t be challenging James, she still could be facing other Democrats rumored to be eyeing the seat include Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris, former assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Dan Goldman, Rep. Kathleen Rice from Long Island and former superintendent of the state Department of Financial Services Maria Vullo. No word yet if any of the aforementioned potential candidates will drop out the race as well now that James is running for re-election.
Stay tuned to Black Westchester for more on this developing story that could be updated frequently.
AJ Woodson
AJ Woodson is the Editor-In-Chief of Black Westchester and Co-Owner of Urban Soul Media Group, the parent company, Host & Producer of the People Before Politics Radio Show. AJ is a Father, Brother, An Author, Journalism Fellow (Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism), Hip-Hop Artist - one third of the legendary underground rap group JVC FORCE known for the single Strong Island, Radio Personality, Hip-Hop Historian, Documentarian, Activist, Criminal Justice Advocate and Freelance Journalist whose byline has appeared in several print publications and online sites including The Source, Vibe, the Village Voice, Upscale, Sonicnet.com, Launch.com, Rolling Out Newspaper, Daily Challenge Newspaper, Spiritual Minded Magazine, Word Up! Magazine, On The Go Magazine and several others.
