NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton has reportedly been asked by multiple people about running for New York governor in 2022.
The New York Times reports Sharpton, a weekend host for MSNBC and a former 2004 Democratic presidential candidate, has been approached by associates of state Attorney General Letitia James, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Rep. Thomas Suozzi to run in next year's race amid the fallout of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's sexual misconduct allegations.
Sharpton's name has emerged as Cuomo continues to lose support from high-profile Democratic politicians, including President Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and 70% of New Yorkers believe Cuomo should resign.
Cuomo has resisted calls to leave and in spite of an expedited State Assembly impeachment inquiry and possible criminal inquiries, he has not bowed out of the 2022 race.
“It’s going to be very difficult for the governor to stay in, and I think it’s going to open up the primary season early,” Mr. Sharpton said.
Other Democrats that are reportedly considering a run include De Blasio, New York City's Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams and Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone.
James, whose office found Cuomo "sexually harassed multiple women and in doing so violated federal and state law," is reportedly viewed as the most "formidable" candidate but she has yet to confirm any plans to run.
However, the Times reports that the list of Democratic contenders could increase — with more female candidates likely to launch their own campaigns.
Democratic pollster Celinda Lake told the paper she expected Cuomo's scandal could present women with a political advantage.
“When something this visible happens and then it continues to happen after people thought it had been dealt with, it really gives you an appetite for women candidates," she said.