Sixteen candidates have lined up to finish out Eric Schneiderman’s term through the end of the year as state attorney general, Politico reported.
Acting Attorney General Barbara Underwood is among those vying for the position, alongside incumbent Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney and former New York City Councilman David Yassky.
Some of those who were thought to be early contenders for the coveted position – including state Sen. Mike Gianaris, Public Advocate Letitia James, former gubernatorial candidate Zephyr Teachout and ex-U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara – opted to sit out the selection process.
Public interviews with the candidates will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced Sunday.
Schneiderman had been considered a lock to win reelection in November before a report in the New Yorker last week detailing allegations of physical and verbal abuse against former romantic partners led to his abrupt resignation.
Schneiderman leaves a legacy as Attorney General of cracking down on landlords accused of harassing rent-regulated tenants, as The Real Deal reported last week. [Politico] – Rich Bockmann