NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has tapped Democratic state Sen. Brian Benjamin, who represents part of Manhattan, as her lieutenant governor.
Spectrum 1 News first reported the story, citing sources. The New York Times also reported that Benjamin is her pick, citing a person familiar with the decision.
A formal announcement is expected Thursday. According to Hochul's public schedule, she is set to make a "special announcement" with Benjamin at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building in his Harlem district.
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, writing, "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."
Benjamin, the son of Caribbean immigrants, worked in investment banking and housing development before getting into politics. He's coming off an unsuccessful run for city comptroller, placing fourth in the primary.
He came in third in his own senate district.
The decision was likely made with an eye towards the 2022 election just around the corner, as Hochul has said she wants to run for a full term.
Hochul has said she wants to change the dynamic between the governor and lieutenant governor. Where Andrew Cuomo largely kept her on the sidelines, Hochul has envisioned her number two playing an active role in policymaking.
Benjamin has campaigned on things like closing Rikers Island, divesting New York's Public Pension Fund from private prisons, and has supported calls for reallocating funding away from police departments to non-policing forms of public safety.
"Comes from Harlem, respected and liked by a lot of people, very highly-educated and she's picked him, they say, because he's a financial expert," said political analyst Hank Sheinkopf.
Sheinkopf said the hope for Hochul is that Benjamin can win over downstate voters.
"The gamble Brian Benjamin took, he's young. He's four years into the Senate. If he loses and she loses, he'll be out of work," Sheinkopf said.