Update (Aug. 14 at 3:00 am UTC): This article has been revised to elucidate Dara’s position at the Council on Foreign Relations.
Khurram Dara, a former legal advisor at cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, is contemplating a bid for New York State Attorney General in 2026, intending to succeed Letitia James.
Dara informed Cointelegraph that he has not yet made a decision regarding a candidacy for the state’s law enforcement position, but suggested that digital currencies might feature in his campaign if he opts to proceed.
With over a year remaining until the election, the Columbia Law School alumnus has already shared on social media in favor of Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm, who was convicted of operating an unauthorized money transmitter earlier this month, and has targeted individuals like US Senator Elizabeth Warren, a noted crypto opponent.
“My platform would center on eradicating lawfare across the board, which certainly encompasses crypto,” stated Dara. “We just had an election where crypto was undoubtedly on the ballot. And we won. Yet, as the federal regulatory landscape has evolved and stabilized, some state AGs perceive it as their duty to address a supposed ‘gap’ in federal policy […] effectively functioning as national policymakers or regulators.”
The present New York attorney general, who took office in 2019, has initiated several legal proceedings against crypto entities on behalf of affected New Yorkers, including Genesis, former Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky, trading firm NovaTech, and KuCoin.
The US state, being a commercial center in the nation, hosts the headquarters of Gemini, Galaxy Digital, Chainalysis, and others, making the AG role crucial for guiding how the office approaches regulations and enforcement related to digital assets.
Related: New York AG calls on Congress to enhance protections in crypto legislation
“We are witnessing the real threats posed by unregulated cryptocurrency platforms with schemes like these,” remarked James, referring to claims against NovaTech in June 2024. “New Yorkers can be assured that we will utilize the resources available to us to combat crypto fraudsters.”
James’ campaign did not promptly respond to a request for comment. As of Wednesday, she had not declared intentions to seek reelection in 2026.
Another GOP attorney contests Democrat incumbent
Dara, a 36-year-old member of the Council on Foreign Relations, has never occupied elected office. He completed an internship in the New York State Senate in 2006, worked as an intern for Republican Thomas Reynolds’ office in the US House of Representatives in 2008, and served as a law clerk at the US Attorney’s Office in 2012.
If he chooses to run as a Republican, he would not be the first candidate with experience litigating for crypto firms to challenge an established Democrat.
John Deaton, an attorney who advocated for XRP (XRP) holders in the SEC’s legal action against Ripple Labs, competed against Warren in the 2024 election in Massachusetts. Warren defeated Deaton with approximately 74% of the votes.
“New York is where many individuals in crypto, technology, and venture capital aspire to be. There’s an incredible concentration of talent here,” remarked Dara. “I believe the state should embrace that, rather than attempt to escape from it […] the crypto community is not seeking preferential treatment or policies that benefit them. They merely wish to avoid being unfairly targeted by regulation through litigation.”
A Siena College survey from December 2024 reportedly indicated James had a 40% approval rating among New Yorkers. As of August, the only other contender to enter the race for New York AG in 2026 is Republican Michael Henry, who lost to James in 2022, receiving about 45% of the vote.
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