In her first public appearance since being indicted on federal fraud charges, New York Attorney General Letitia James took the stage Monday night at a campaign rally for New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, transforming a moment of political vulnerability into one of passion, resilience, and solidarity.
The rally, held at the United Palace Theater in Washington Heights, was packed with supporters waving signs and chanting James’ nickname — “Tish!” — as she walked on stage. For many in attendance, the night was about more than politics. It was about standing up to what they see as the weaponization of justice and the erosion of democratic norms.
James: “I Will Not Bow, I Will Not Break”
Taking the microphone to roaring applause, James wasted no time addressing the controversy surrounding her. Without ever mentioning President Donald Trump by name, she spoke forcefully about “powerful voices” trying to “weaponize justice for political gain.”
“I know what it feels like to be attacked for just doing your job,” James said, her voice rising as the crowd cheered. “But I also know what it feels like to overcome adversity, and so I stand on solid rock, and I will not bow. I will not break. I will not bend. I will not capitulate. I won’t give up, and I won’t give in.”
The defiance in her words echoed throughout the hall, drawing chants of “We love Tish!” from supporters. Her message — one of endurance and conviction — resonated deeply with attendees who see her legal battle not as a personal downfall, but as a test of integrity in an increasingly polarized political climate.
The Charges and Political Backdrop
Last week, a federal grand jury in Virginia indicted James on one count of bank fraud and one count of making false statements to a financial institution, tied to a 2020 mortgage loan for a $137,000 home in Norfolk, Virginia. Prosecutors claim the mortgage required her to use the property as a primary residence for one year, but that she instead rented it out to a family.
James has denied any wrongdoing, calling the charges “baseless” and “a continuation of the president’s desperate weaponization of our justice system.” Her defense team has not publicly commented on the details of the case, but allies point out that the acting U.S. attorney leading the prosecution, Lindsey Halligan, previously served as one of Trump’s personal lawyers — a fact fueling accusations of political retaliation.
Just weeks before the indictment, Trump had publicly pressured Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute James and other Democratic officials he viewed as adversaries. The timing has only amplified claims that the Justice Department under Trump’s renewed administration is being used as a tool of retribution.
If convicted, James would be required under New York law to relinquish her office, a dramatic fall for a woman who built her career as a crusader for accountability — including against Trump himself.
A Rally of Solidarity and Symbolism
Despite the controversy, James appeared unwavering as she rallied behind Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor.
“He is a leader fighting for a better future for this city,” James said. “And he, like me, knows what it’s like to be attacked, to be called names, to be threatened, to be harassed. I see the courage that is embodied in Zohran, and that’s why I am supporting him.”
Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman from Queens, has become one of the most visible progressive figures in New York politics. If elected, he would be the city’s first Muslim mayor. His campaign focuses on affordability, housing justice, and economic reform — policies that have made him a frequent target of Trump and conservative media.
Onstage, Mamdani returned the support, offering his own words of encouragement for James. “For years, you have fought the good fight for New Yorkers,” he said. “Now it’s our time to fight for you.”
The line drew sustained applause, underscoring the sense that both politicians — frequent targets of Trump’s criticism — now share a common struggle against what they describe as political persecution.
Shared Targets of Trump’s Ire
Both James and Mamdani have been in Trump’s crosshairs for years. Trump has derided Mamdani as a “communist” and even questioned his immigration status, suggesting this summer that the candidate should be arrested if, as mayor, he refused to enforce federal deportation orders.
James, meanwhile, became one of Trump’s most formidable adversaries during her tenure as attorney general. She launched numerous investigations into his businesses and ultimately secured a $500 million civil fraud judgment against Trump and his companies in 2024 — a ruling later overturned on appeal but upheld in part as a finding of fraud.
Now, with Trump back in the Oval Office and James facing charges brought by a former member of his legal team, the two find themselves locked in a new — and even more personal — confrontation.
The Road to Election Day
The rally also served to energize Mamdani’s campaign ahead of the November 4 mayoral election, in which he faces former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary earlier this year, though Cuomo has since launched an independent bid.
Mamdani’s message of grassroots reform and his unapologetic progressive agenda have drawn both admiration and attacks. Trump has repeatedly labeled him part of the “radical left,” while supporters see him as a fresh voice capable of reshaping city politics.
James’ endorsement — though now complicated by her legal troubles — could help solidify his standing with progressive voters who view her as a symbol of courage under fire.
James’ Legacy and the Fight Ahead
For James, the indictment marks a pivotal moment in her storied career. She made history as the first Black woman elected New York’s attorney general, and her tenure has been defined by her willingness to confront powerful figures, from major corporations to political titans.
Her investigation into former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s sexual harassment allegations in 2021 played a key role in his resignation, bolstering her image as a fearless watchdog for justice. But now, she finds herself on the defensive — and her political survival may depend on how successfully she can turn this indictment into a narrative of resistance rather than defeat.
As she concluded her remarks Monday night, James reminded the crowd that her resolve remained unshaken. “They may try to silence me,” she said, “but they cannot silence the truth. This fight isn’t just about me. It’s about protecting democracy, justice, and the rule of law.”
The audience erupted once more, rising to their feet as James waved and exited the stage beside Mamdani. For her supporters, the night was more than a campaign event — it was a declaration that the struggle for justice, however embattled, endures.
