Maloney leads in latest AG poll, but trails James in LGBTQ support

Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, who is running for state attorney general, talks on the campaign trail about wanting to be New York’s first openly gay statewide elected official. Yet despite being a slight favorite in the latest Siena College poll, New York City Public Advocate Letitia James, one of Maloney’s primary rivals, is winning more LGBTQ support.

James just released a letter signed by more than 100 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer New Yorkers involved in politics, all backing James – including New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten. Perhaps the only LGBTQ group backing Maloney’s campaign is the Victory Fund, which seeks to elect LGBTQ people.

James has been dominating the field in endorsements, thanks in part to her position as Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s preferred candidate, including nods from such prominent LGBTQ political groups as the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club and the Stonewall Democratic Club of New York City. SDNYC President Rod Townsend told City & State his group’s endorsement isn’t a rebuke of Maloney. “We voted based on who we know. And Tish has that personal touch,” he said. “I think it’s wonderful (Maloney) is running, but at the end of the day, members voted for who they know.”