NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has tapped Democratic state Sen. Brian Benjamin, who represents part of Manhattan, as her lieutenant governor.
Multiple sources have confirmed to 1010WINS that Benjamin has been picked.
According to The New York Times, a formal announcement is expected this week.
Benjamin, 44, has served in the upper chamber since 2017.
After Hochul was sworn-in as the state's first female governor, Benjamin congratulated her on Twitter, writng, "I am looking forward to supporting you as our 57th Governor! This is a historic day for New York, particularly for women and girls who are witnessing our first woman Governor."
Ever since the former lieutenant governor was thrust into her new role following Andrew Cuomo's resignation, she has said she is looking for a diverse ticket.
Benjamin fit the profile of who she was reportedly looking for: according to the New York Times, she had been looking at New York City candidates of color.
"I'm cognizant of the need for diversity and an inclusive ticket," Hochul said in her first news conference after Cuomo announced he would step down. "And I’m going to name someone that I believe the state will be familiar with and would be very proud of."