The New York State Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the State of New York. The office has been in existence in some form since 1626, under the Dutch colonial government of New York.
From 1684 to 1777, when New York was under the British colonial government, the Attorney General was appointed by the British crown, or the colonial governor on its behalf. In 1693, the Attorney General earned a salary of 50 pounds.
From 1777 to 1822, the Attorney General was appointed by the Council of Appointment.
From 1823 to 1846, the Attorney General was elected by the New York State Legislature.
Attorneys General have been elected by the voters since 1847.
The current holder of the office is Andrew Cuomo, who was elected on November 8, 2006, and took office on January 1, 2007.
