ALBANY, N.Y. — Letitia James late on Dec. 31 was formally sworn in as New York’s 67th attorney general during a ceremony held at the New York State Capitol in Albany.
She is the first woman of color to hold statewide office in New York and the first woman elected to serve as attorney general, per James’ biography on the attorney general’s website.
“It is the highest honor to officially begin my time as the attorney general for the great state of New York. Tonight, I made a commitment to use the rule of law to protect the rights and advance the interests of all New Yorkers, and I will never waver in upholding that promise. New Yorkers in every corner of our state must know that they have a champion fighting for them every day,” James said in a news release.
The new attorney general delivered remarks during the official New York inauguration ceremony held Tuesday night on Ellis Island.
James plans to host several informal meet-and-greets throughout the state to “connect with New Yorkers and introduce them to the office and her priorities,” per the news release.
About James
James in 2013 was elected public advocate for New York City and became the first woman of color to hold citywide office. As public advocate, James served as a watchdog over New York City government agencies and as an “advocate for the City’s most vulnerable communities,” per her website bio.
Prior to serving as public advocate, James represented a Brooklyn district on the New York City Council for 10 years.
Before her election to New York City Council, James served as head of the Brooklyn regional office of the New York State Attorney General’s Office.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com