Campaign finance disclosures show that political entities tied to billionaire philanthropist George Soros have contributed more than $71,000 to New York Attorney General Letitia James since 2019.
The contributions, highlighted in a recent media report, include $18,000 donated directly by Soros in July 2024, as well as $13,000 given by his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Soros, earlier this year. Additional filings indicate that the Soros family provided another $40,000 to James during previous election cycles.
Records further reveal that approximately $31,000 of the total went toward James’ current re-election campaign.
These figures, however, do not capture indirect political backing received through organizations funded heavily by Soros—most notably the Working Families Party (WFP).
Financial data shows that since 2016, Soros’ Open Society network has routed nearly $24 million to the Working Families Party through its nonprofit fundraising arm. In addition, Soros and members of his family have donated at least $865,000 directly to the party’s New York chapter since 2018.
James’ rise in New York politics has long been connected to the WFP. In 2003, she became the first candidate endorsed by the party to win elected office in the state, securing a seat on the New York City Council representing Brooklyn.
While James did not formally run on the WFP line during her successful 2018 campaign for attorney general—opting instead to appear solely as a Democrat alongside then-Governor Andrew Cuomo—she later embraced the party’s endorsement during her 2022 re-election bid.
In recent years, James has gained national attention for her high-profile legal actions involving former President Donald Trump, including a civil case that sought substantial financial penalties. Although the litigation remains ongoing, an appellate court last year reversed more than $500 million in penalties previously imposed.
James has also faced legal scrutiny herself. The Department of Justice investigated allegations that she submitted inaccurate information related to a mortgage application for property she owns in Virginia.
She was charged with fraud in October and entered a not-guilty plea. The case was later dismissed after a judge ruled that the U.S. attorney who brought the charges had been improperly appointed. Subsequent attempts to revive the case failed, with two separate grand juries declining to issue indictments.
Beyond James, Soros has also provided financial backing to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, another prominent New York prosecutor whose office has drawn national attention.
About The Author
