Johnathan Adams, a seasoned commercial lawyer in New York City with firm roots in business and finance, provides two central reasons why he has chosen to take on the formidable task of running for state attorney general as part of the Republican party. Another reason relates to his increasing concern with the surge in crime and drug-related challenges, issues he recognizes are endemic to NYC but have worryingly extended to places such as the Southern Tier during his travels Upstate.
Adams posits that the escalation of these issues is a consequence of lenient regulation and justice system policies implemented by liberal Democrats in Albany, leading to insufficient action. According to him, the bleak scenario is further exacerbated by the migrant crisis and an alarming surge in drug use, notably fentanyl, not just in city spaces but also in various parts of the state.
The situation is particularly dire in rural parts of New York, with an economic slump that has hit hard. This economic downturn has led to a lack of job prospects, resulting in desertion and, in some cases, furthering the drug crisis as people wrestle with poverty and depression.
For the majority of New Yorkers, these crises have transformed into quality-of-life concerns, according to Adams’ perspective. Citizens are on the hunt for hope, a promise that their elected representatives will devise practical, reasonable solutions to tackle challenges like crime and punishment, while simultaneously fostering optimal conditions for business and industrial growth.
In his critique of the state’s current attorney general, Adams pointed out the incumbent’s enthusiasm to garner headlines by suing former President Donald Trump and his business conglomerate. A notable case from February in New York saw the judge ruling that Trump had amplified his net worth to deceive banks and insurance firms, while, according to Adams, the state deteriorated.
In addition to his criticism, Adams accused the incumbent attorney general, James, of neglecting crucial matters such as antisemitism, college campus turbulence, and a migrant crisis that has cost the state taxpayers vast sums of money.
In anticipation of securing his party’s nomination yet again for 2026, Adams emphasizes his aspiration to boost vote totals in the Upstate regions. As part of this early effort, he has begun rallying support at a regional level, as embodied by a recent meeting that included Republican Committee Chairmen Mark Heberling of Cattaraugus County and Mike Healy of Allegany County.
Adams asserts that he needs to receive between 33% to 33.5% of votes in New York City and in counties like Onondaga (Syracuse), Erie (Buffalo) and Monroe (Rochester), the Upstate. However, he is aware that to have a real chance at dislodging James, he needs to do significantly better across all Upstate counties.
James has commanded a national presence in her two terms, principally because of her legal actions towards Trump and ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo stepped down in August 2021 amid a flurry of sexual harassment accusations.
James orchestrated an enquiry into the previous governor’s misconduct but subsequently refrained from levying any charges. In the fallout of Cuomo’s resignation, she made a brief bid for governorship but rescinded when ex-Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, now the current governor, amassed support for the impending election.
James has also been an ardent defender of the state’s firearm regulation, access to abortion, and environmental laws. Additionally, she has shown keen interest in investigations following incidents where residents have been fatally wounded or harmed during encounters with law enforcement officers.
Summing up, Johnathan Adams, an experienced commercial litigator and an aspiring attorney general harbors the ambition to bring about substantial transformation in areas concerning crime, drugs, and economic crisis. With an aim to address quality of life concerns for the citizens, he has signaled his intent to rally support and get the votes necessary to make a promising change.
However, the mountain he needs to climb is steep, given the incumbent Attorney General’s high-profile stance, especially her positioning on key state matters such as gun laws, abortion rights, and environmental concerns. It remains to be seen how his plans unfurl as he looks towards the 2026 nomination.