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GOP challenger to Letitia James drops NY attorney general bid
Henry, who carried 45% of the vote in 2022, did not see a path to victory this time around
Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:47pm
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Republican Michael Henry is dropping his bid to unseat New York Attorney General Letitia James, his campaign confirmed on Thursday. Henry, who carried 45% of the vote when he unsuccessfully ran against James in 2022, did not see a path to victory this time, citing a lack of support from the top of the GOP ticket and the state party.
Why it matters
The decision by Henry, who had been endorsed by Rep. Elise Stefanik and other GOP leaders, leaves the Republican field for New York attorney general wide open ahead of the party's nominating convention next month. It also signals potential challenges for the GOP in mounting a strong challenge to the incumbent James in the general election.
The details
Henry had been positioning himself as a strong challenger to James, but ultimately decided not to run, with a source familiar with his thinking saying he did not want to be a 'sacrificial lamb.' The source added that 'the top of the ticket and the state party is not prepared to fight in November.' Henry's exit leaves former federal prosecutor Saritha Komatireddy and crypto lawyer Khurram Dara seeking the GOP nod.
- Henry unsuccessfully ran against James in 2022, carrying 45% of the vote.
- Over the last six weeks, Henry has been feeling a sense that he was not well-positioned for victory in the 2026 race.
- Henry plans to continue raising money to help vulnerable Republicans in New York's swing districts.
The players
Michael Henry
The Republican challenger who dropped his bid to unseat New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Letitia James
The incumbent New York Attorney General.
Elise Stefanik
The Republican Congresswoman who had endorsed Henry in his previous run against James.
Saritha Komatireddy
A former federal prosecutor who is now seeking the Republican nomination for New York attorney general.
Khurram Dara
A crypto lawyer who is also seeking the Republican nomination for New York attorney general.
What they’re saying
“Over the last six weeks, really since Congresswoman [Elise] Stefanik dropped out, he has been feeling a sense that we were not well-positioned for victory.”
— Source familiar with Henry's thinking
“The top of the ticket and the state party is not prepared to fight in November.”
— Source familiar with Henry's thinking
The takeaway
Henry's decision to drop out of the race for New York attorney general highlights the challenges the Republican Party is facing in mounting a strong challenge to the incumbent Letitia James, who has proven to be a formidable opponent. The GOP will now have to regroup and find a new candidate to take on James in the general election.
