GOP state attorney general challenger focuses on Trump case as he seeks rematch against Letitia James

Michael Henry, the underdog Republican candidate who ran a spirited campaign against Democrat state Attorney General Letitia James in 2022, is seeking a rematch.

Henry, 43, filed papers with the state Board of Elections seeking the GOP nomination to challenge James in 2026, accusing the Democratic incumbent of being a partisan prosecutor, citing her targeting of former President Donald Trump and his business empire.

Henry put up a respectable showing, but still lost to James in the blue-leaning New York by a yawning 500,000 votes in 2022.

James captured 3.2 million votes or 54.6% to 2.6 million or 45.4% for Henry.

He also said James has been “AWOL” on key issues impacting the state — including blatant antisemitism and unrest on college campuses like Columbia University, where the attorney general is an adjunct professor, and the migrant crisis.

James has criticized the anti-Israel encampments at Columbia.

“New Yorkers deserve better,” Henry said.

He also claimed James has abused the AG’s office by pursuing civil penalties against Trump’s business.

In a case brought by James, a New York judge in February ruled that Trump inflated his net worth by billions of dollars to dupe banks and insurers over the course of a decade.

Trump was ordered to pay a massive $350 million fine  — and he was temporarily banned him from doing business in the state where he made his name. He’s appealing the ruling and denies all wrongdoing.

“We have to take politics out of the office… It’s not about justice. It’s about her,” Henry said.

He also hammered James in his first fundraising solicitation.

“The misuse of the Attorney General’s office by Letitia James is a blatant assault on the principles of justice and fairness that our system should embody. Her targeted attacks on Donald Trump and others have stripped the office of its integrity, turning it into a tool for political witch hunts,” Henry said..

“This cannot be the new normal. We must take a stand against James flagrant abuse of power. WE MUST DEFEAT LETITIA JAMES! We came close in the last election, and with your crucial support, we will triumph this time to defend the people of New York. That’s why LETITIA JAMES WOULD NOT DEBATE ME! SHE IS A COWARD!”

James’ re-election campaign said the two-term AG will continue doing her job.

“Attorney General James will continue to fight for every day New Yorkers by holding those in power accountable,” said James campaign spokesman Javier Gomez.

After the 2022 election, Henry campaigned unsuccessfully to become the state Republican Party chairman, losing out to  Ed Cox, who returned to the post and whom party activists deemed a safer bet to raise funds for the GOP.

Sources said Henry has remained active in the GOP circles and has a good shot at reclaiming the party’s nomination for AG.

During the 2022 campaign, Henry pushed for a stricter bail law, had the backing of police unions and hammered James for refusing to debate