American cities have a problem. Violent crime is falling, but other offenses, including shoplifting and transit fare evasion, are on the rise. These crimes may seem minor compared with homicide, but they take a toll on everyday life.

Few candidates make these issues central to their campaigns. Saritha Komatireddy, candidate for New York attorney general, is one of them. She's showing Republicans how they could appeal to urban voters fed up with crime and disorder.

Shoplifting and fare evasion may seem like inevitable parts of urban life, but they don't have to be. Decline is a choice, and progressive leaders have too often chosen to tolerate petty crime rather than enforce the law. The solution: Elect leaders willing to punish those who break the law and undermine public trust.

New York's Republican attorney general candidate gets it

Komatireddy, a former prosecutor, gets this. She's made safer public transit and cracking down on shoplifting central to her campaign against incumbent Democrat Letitia James. Komatireddy's motto: "Just fight crime."

She has her work cut out for her. Polling and prediction markets put her at a considerable disadvantage in deep-blue New York. But her message could resonate with New York City voters frustrated by crime and disorder.

In 2025, only 34% of New Yorkers rated........

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