Sen. Gillibrand Endorses Hochul in NYC Gubernatorial Race – NBC4 New York

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on Monday endorsed Governor Kathy Hochul in the race for New York’s highest office.

It is the most high-profile endorsement yet for Hochul as he seeks to secure the Democratic nomination and win the governorship in his own right. His predecessor, Andrew Cuomo, resigned last summer amid sexual harassment allegations.

Gillibrand, who has made women’s rights a cornerstone of her public advocacy, applauded New York’s first female governor. Gillibrand cited Hochul’s advocacy of abortion rights, ordering state agencies to make it clear that women have a right to an abortion, as well as her expansion of paid leave to also allow time off to care for a sibling.

“Kathy Hochul is a proven leader with the knowledge, work ethic and passion for public service to deliver results for New Yorkers in all communities,” Gillibrand said.

Hochul was a relative unknown when she rose to the governorship in August, and was initially expected to face an uphill battle for her party’s nomination, especially when Attorney General Letitia James briefly joined the race last fall. But months before the June primary, James dropped out and opted to run for re-election. Hochul, meanwhile, has cemented her position as her favorite: leading in the polls, amassing $22 million in campaign donations, and the endorsement of several unions and prominent political figures.

She is being challenged by US Rep. Tom Suozzi, a Democrat representing Long Island, and New York City ombudsman-elect Jumaane Williams, the most progressive candidate in the race.

This is not the first time Williams has challenged Hochul in a statewide election. He ran against her in the 2018 Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, but lost by less than seven points. That was a much narrower defeat for the progressive wing of the party than in the gubernatorial race, where Cuomo comfortably beat actress Cynthia Nixon.

But this year, Hochul is in a much stronger position than in 2018, with the perks of an incumbent, helping with fundraising and sponsorships, said Ester Fuchs, a professor of public and international affairs and political science at the University. of Columbia.

“I think it is very well positioned. If she were a gambling woman, I would certainly bet on her,” Fuchs said.

Williams, who last week won the endorsement of the progressive Working Families Party, is running to Hochul’s left. But Fuchs says the political landscape has changed since his 2018 run, noting that New York’s pandemic-hit economy and high-profile violent crime have voters seeking plans that are more pragmatic than progressive.

Democratic State Chairman Jay Jacobs said this change helped lead New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a former New York City Police captain, to victory in 2021.

“The Democratic electorate has shown that they are more supportive of a more moderate approach, and I think that will continue,” said Jacobs, who backed Hochul from the start.

Suozzi, a moderate like Hochul, has tried to portray the governor as someone who isn’t tough enough on crime. But Jacob and Fuchs say the congressman will have a hard time drawing a contrast with Hochul when both candidates occupy a middle position.

Fuchs said there is still a long way to go before the June primary, which means the governor cannot afford to make any mistakes.

“She has a main fight, so it’s not like she’s just going to go in,” Fuchs said. “She can’t trip.”

–