Ex-Coinbase Attorney Takes Aim at NY AG in Crypto Clash

Former Coinbase Lawyer Enters NY AG Race

Khurram Dara, who previously served as a policy attorney at Coinbase, is stepping into the political arena by launching his campaign for New York Attorney General in 2026. This move could spark a pivotal political showdown regarding digital asset regulations in the United States.

At the age of 36, Dara officially kicked off his campaign on Thursday, expressing his intent to secure the Republican nomination to challenge the current Democratic incumbent, Letitia James.

Lawfare isn’t just wrong – it’s costly.

I’m running for Attorney General to end lawfare, enforce the law, and create a better business climate in New York to tackle the affordability crisis.

Join the fight. Donate today. https://t.co/GhQIuwvIM3 pic.twitter.com/n8Fynf6esq

— Khurram Dara (@KhurramDara) November 20, 2025

Dara's campaign is anchored in his commitment to combat what he refers to as "lawfare," which he defines as the misuse of legal measures for political ends. He aims to reverse the stringent crypto enforcement policies that have been characteristic of James's tenure.

Critique of Current Administration's Crypto Policies

Since August, Dara has been vocal about his aspirations for public office, frequently criticizing James’s regulatory strategies as detrimental to innovation and the overall business environment in New York.

He contends that the current regulatory landscape has driven businesses, investments, and job opportunities out of the state, while simultaneously exacerbating financial burdens for residents.

“I’ve seen the cost of lawfare firsthand,” Dara stated in a recent interview. “It drives up the cost of doing business, erodes trust in government, and makes New York less affordable at a time when people are already stretched.”

New York needs an Attorney General that will enforce the law, not politicize it. That’s why I’m running.

Join the fight. Donate today: https://t.co/GhQIuwvIM3 pic.twitter.com/TFCAQ7PCda

— Khurram Dara (@KhurramDara) November 21, 2025

Dara's background in the cryptocurrency regulatory landscape is extensive. Until July, he held the position of regulatory and policy principal at Bain Capital Crypto, the digital assets division of the global investment firm.

Prior to his time at Bain, he worked with companies such as Fluidity and AirSwap before joining Coinbase in 2022, a pivotal moment coinciding with the SEC's investigation into the exchange that would be instrumental in shaping the Biden administration's stance on cryptocurrency regulation.

He frequently cites this experience as a significant influence on his perspective regarding what he views as rampant regulatory overreach.

Letitia James: A Profile of the Incumbent

Letitia James, who has been in office since 2019, has gained national attention through her involvement in high-profile legal cases against figures like Donald Trump, the NRA, and Andrew Cuomo.

However, she has also prioritized cryptocurrency enforcement as a key component of her agenda, positioning herself as a tough regulator in this rapidly evolving sector.

As Dara prepares for his campaign, the outcome could have far-reaching implications not only for the future of cryptocurrency regulation in New York but also for the broader landscape of digital assets in the United States.

The clash between Dara's pro-innovation approach and James's regulatory stance may very well define the trajectory of crypto policy for years to come.