BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Governor Kathy Hochul has been endorsed by the New York State Democratic Party Chairman in her bid to win the gubernatorial election next year.
Hochul took over as governor on August 24 following the resignation of Andrew Cuomo. She was previously the lieutenant governor, a role she held since 2015.
"She can do the job," Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs said Monday. "We see that. No only that, I believe she can be a great governor and she has demonstrated that in her leadership, addressing a lot of the significant issues and challenges that have come to her almost immediately since she has taken office."
Jacobs also called Hochul a "pragmatic progressive" who can win the election next November over any republican. He also said she has earned the support of the democratic party because she has traveled to every county and recruited democratic candidates across the street.
Hochul is expected to face a harsh democratic primary next year with at least half a dozen Democratic candidates. Attorney General Letitia James, the state's first Black attorney general whose investigation into Cuomo helped lead to his ouster, is among the top candidates who may run. New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams is also exploring a committee to run for governor. Other candidates also include New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
