While prominent New York Democrats weigh a gubernatorial run next year, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand clarified Thursday that that is not her aspiration.
Gillibrand, a state senator since 2009, told reporters that she does not intend to run for a gubernatorial primary in 2022, when Gov. Kathy Hochul seeks to be elected to a full four-year term.
“I won’t,” he said when asked if he had any intention of running. “I am very grateful to serve New York State as your Senator.”
Hochul continues to raise funds for his campaign after succeeding Governor Andrew Cuomo in August, when he resigned amid a sexual harassment scandal.
At the same time, State Attorney General Letitia James and Ombudsman Jumaane Williams, both Democrats, are discussing a possible nomination.
Gillibrand made it clear that he intends to focus on a federal charge, not a state one.
“I feel that the issues we are debating in Washington are urgent and important, and I feel that I have the best ability to work on those issues and serve the state in that way,” he said.
Gillibrand, 54, was re-elected for a second six-year term in 2018 and would have to seek re-election in 2024.
Meanwhile, Hochul has garnered initial endorsement from a variety of political leaders and advocacy organizations before other Democratic candidates openly express their intention to run.
On Thursday, the Democratic presidents of Monroe, Onondaga and Albany counties endorsed Hochul for the election, adding to a growing list of county presidents who have endorsed the governor. The effort has been organized by current Democratic State President Jay Jacobs, who has also endorsed Hochul.
Hochul, the first woman to serve as New York governor, also received endorsement from EMILY’s List, the national organization that encourages women to run for public office, on Thursday.
In a statement, EMILY’s List president Laphonza Butler noted that Hochul would be the first elected female governor if she wins next year.
“Governor Hochul stepped forward to lead New York at a time plagued by skepticism and mistrust of Albany,” Butler said in a statement. “As governor, she has made it a priority to rebuild trust between her administration and New Yorkers and deliver results.”
New York is a strongly Democratic state, so whoever wins a Democratic primary in 2022 will be the frontrunner to win the November election.
On the Republican side, Long Island Rep. Lee Zeldin has garnered key support among party leaders. Among the other Republicans seeking his party’s nomination is Andrew Giuliani, son of former Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
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