New York election: Jewish leaders split on antisemitism record

A Siena College poll conducted last month shows New York State Attorney General Letitia James leading her Republican challenger, Saritha Komatireddy, by 15 percentage points, with 54% of likely voters supporting James to 39% for Komatireddy. This margin persists despite a fierce dispute between the candidates regarding the state's response to antisemitism as they prepare for Tuesday's election.

Komatireddy has criticized James for ignoring the rise in antisemitic hate crimes. In an interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, the former federal prosecutor argued that district attorneys have been ineffective in stopping the trend. She stated that she would declare a state of emergency on antisemitism on her first day in office. Komatireddy explained that this would involve using existing law to prosecute hate crimes when local district attorneys fail to do so.

James and her supporters counter that the incumbent has actively supported Jewish communities throughout her career. Mark Treyger, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that he witnessed James' commitment firsthand. He cited an instance where James rearranged her schedule to support an Ethiopian-Israeli business owner in Harlem facing anti-Israel backlash.

Prominent Jewish Democratic officials have formally endorsed James. Outgoing U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, City Council Speaker Julie Menin, and six other officials held a press conference last week to commend her support for the community. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal highlighted her work against housing discrimination against Hasidic families in Orange County. James responded to Menin's praise by saying she felt moved by the remarks.

However, a segment of the Jewish community supports Komatireddy, who has the endorsement of President Donald Trump. Moshe Davis, a former executive director for the mayor's office, predicted that Komatireddy's tough-on-crime message could drive defections from James to his opponent. He noted that many Jewish voters are drawn to her approach. Komatireddy has also sought support from religious leaders, including a visit to Park Avenue Synagogue, though Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove clarified that he did not endorse her.

Rabbi Elie Weinstock of Long Island described a sense of unease among Jewish voters regarding recent incidents. He suggested that opposition to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Democrat, might influence Jewish votes toward the Republican candidate. Meanwhile, Phylisa Wisdom, who leads the city's office to combat antisemitism, described James as a committed advocate who has used the tools of her office to root out discrimination for decades.

The state attorney general's office leads more than 700 lawyers in statewide criminal and civil investigations. James has served in this role since 2019. Her opponent, Komatireddy, seeks to become the first Republican elected to the position in more than 30 years.