Today, Letitia “Tish” James serves as the 67th Attorney General of New York, a role she has filled with distinction since her historic election in 2018. Breaking barriers, she became the first woman of color to hold statewide office in New York and the first woman elected Attorney General. In her tenure, she has undertaken the formidable task of holding powerful figures accountable, including spearheading efforts to bring Donald Trump to justice.

New York, N.Y. – In 2010, while working at our foundation’s office across from the Stock Exchange—an office later lost to Hurricane Sandy—I received an unexpected call from Letitia “Tish” James. At the time, James was not yet a household name, though I knew of her impressive work on the New York City Council. She was the first member of the Working Families Party to be elected to office in New York State—a feat that captured my attention in a city where third parties rarely gain traction.

Born just months apart, I felt a connection with Tish.

Despite our different backgrounds, our shared progressive values created a strong affinity. A native of Brooklyn, Tish is a proud graduate of Lehman College and Howard University School of Law. Her career has been marked by a deep commitment to social justice and a tireless dedication to public service.

Tish James began her career as a public defender with Legal Aid, a role that speaks volumes about her dedication to the underserved. She later transitioned to politics, where her tenacity and vision set her apart. My own foray into politics in 1992, in a bid to unseat U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato, left me disillusioned with the political process. However, I deeply admired those like Tish who could navigate its complexities to effect meaningful change.

During her decade on the New York City Council, Tish achieved significant legislative victories, including the passage of the Safe Housing Act, which forced landlords to improve conditions in some of the city’s worst buildings. Her work on the Council laid the groundwork for her later success as New York City Public Advocate, a position she won in 2013 after a hard-fought campaign.

In 2010, during our phone conversation, Tish asked if I would serve as her full-time Campaign Treasurer. Although flattered, I had to decline. I regretfully apologized that my parents had both died and I was doing my best to spend down my portion of their estates through Orphans International (mom) and the J. Luce Foundation (dad) and I simply did not have the bandwidth. Nevertheless, I was struck by her articulate and compassionate manner—a moment that has stayed with me over the years.

Tish James went on to win multiple elections, including her groundbreaking 2018 victory for New York State Attorney General. Her tenure as Attorney General has been nothing short of transformative. She has protected vulnerable New Yorkers and held powerful entities accountable for their actions. Under her leadership, the Office of the New York State Attorney General has secured over $2.5 billion from opioid manufacturers and distributors, held polluters accountable, and fought against the proliferation of ghost guns.

Tish’s commitment to justice extends to housing, where she has taken on predatory landlords who harass tenants and endanger children. She has also been a national leader in defending reproductive health care, leading numerous legal actions to protect and expand access to this vital service. Her defense of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and her successful efforts to prevent a citizenship question from being added to the U.S. Census demonstrate her dedication to protecting vulnerable populations.

Before becoming Attorney General, Tish James served as New York City Public Advocate, following Bill de Blasio in that role. When she was elected in 2013, she became the first woman of color to hold citywide office. Her tenure as Public Advocate was marked by significant legislative achievements, including a landmark law that banned questions about salary history in the hiring process to combat the gender wage gap.

Today, we celebrate Letitia “Tish” James as a powerful, compassionate, and courageous leader. Her unwavering commitment to justice and her fearless pursuit of accountability have made her one of the most effective public servants in New York’s history. We look forward to supporting whatever future endeavors she may pursue, confident in her ability to continue making a profound impact.

Tish James: Championing Justice, Equality, and Accountability (July 8, 2024)

#LetitiaJames #NYAG #JusticeForAll #Trailblazer #ProgressiveLeadership #DACA #ReproductiveRights

TAGS: Letitia James, New York Attorney General, Donald Trump, DACA, Opioid Crisis, Reproductive Rights, Safe Housing Act, New York City Public Advocate, Environmental Protection, Predatory Landlords

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