Public Advocate Letitia James on Friday described the investigations into Mayor Bill de Blasio’s fundraising as “very serious” and declined to endorse him when questioned about his re-election bid.
Her position represented a reversal for James, who said in August de Blasio deserved another term.
“A grand jury investigation is very serious and for now I’m going to withhold comment pending the results of the investigation,” she said.
De Blasio and his aides are being investigated in two separate probes in which grand juries have been convened.
James, who’s been mentioned as a possible challenger to de Blasio in 2017, said she’s focused on winning a second term as public advocate, but offered faint praise for her fellow Brooklyn Democrat.
“I’m hoping it all works out for the mayor in the coming years,” she said cryptically when asked about the possibility of replacing him.
“I’ve not endorsed the mayor of the city of New York as of yet,” she added. “We’ve not had any discussions with regards to the mayor’s re-election.”
A James spokesperson declined to elaborate on her comments.