Charles Esther
Khurram Dara Eyes New York Attorney General Role
Khurram Dara, formerly a policy counsel at Coinbase, is considering a bid for New York State Attorney General in 2026, potentially succeeding Letitia James.
Dara has not officially confirmed his candidacy but suggested that digital assets and cryptocurrency issues could feature in his platform if he runs.
Background and Crypto Connections
The Columbia Law School graduate has already expressed support for crypto figures, including Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm, convicted in New York federal court in August.
He has also criticized politicians like Senator Elizabeth Warren, who frequently links crypto to illegal activities.
Dara’s Campaign Focus
Dara indicated that his campaign, if it proceeds, would focus on ending lawfare, including cases targeting cryptocurrency companies.
He stated, “Some state AGs are stepping in where federal regulation is unclear, acting as national regulators. My goal is to end such overreach.”
Current Attorney General Actions
Letitia James, who has served as New York AG since 2019, has pursued legal action against crypto entities including Genesis, former Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky, NovaTech, and KuCoin.
Her office’s decisions carry weight because New York is home to major crypto companies like Gemini, Galaxy Digital, and Chainalysis.
New York’s Significance in Crypto
As a major commerce hub, New York plays a central role in how digital assets are regulated and enforced.
James has emphasized protecting New Yorkers from fraudulent crypto platforms, citing the NovaTech case in 2024.
Dara’s Professional Background
At 36, Dara works at the Council on Foreign Relations and has never held elected office.
His experience includes interning in the New York State Senate (2006), working for Republican Thomas Reynolds in the US House (2008), and clerking for the US Attorney’s Office (2012).
Dara and the Republican Challenge
If Dara runs as a Republican, he would follow a pattern of crypto-connected lawyers challenging Democrat incumbents, similar to John Deaton in Massachusetts in 2024.
Deaton, an advocate for XRP tokenholders, ran against Warren but was defeated by a wide margin.
Dara’s Vision for New York
Dara said New York should embrace its crypto, tech, and venture communities rather than stifle them.
He emphasized that the crypto sector is not seeking special privileges but simply wants to avoid unfair regulation through litigation.
Current Political Landscape
A Siena College poll from December 2024 gave James a 40% approval rating among New Yorkers.
The only other declared candidate for 2026 AG so far is Republican Michael Henry, who lost to James in 2022 with 45% of the vote.
Election Timeline and Uncertainty
With over a year until the election, Dara’s potential campaign is still in its early stages, and Letitia James has not announced whether she will seek re-election in 2026.
David Awoyode