The leaders of three upstate New York Democratic county committees announced Thursday that they are endorsing Gov. Kathy Hochul in her bid for a full term next year.
They include Monroe County Democratic Committee Chair Zach King, as well as the leaders of the Democratic committees in Albany and Onondaga counties.
Hochul, the former lieutenant governor, became governor in August after Andrew Cuomo resigned as he became embroiled in a sexual harassment scandal.
The statement from the three upstate Democratic chairs cited Hochul’s “extensive experience at all levels of government -- from Town Board to County Clerk to (the) United States House of Representatives.”
The committee chairs also said they offer their personal endorsements to Attorney General Letitia James and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli if they choose to “run for re-election to their respective office.”
Both James and DiNapoli have been mentioned as among the possible Democratic primary challengers to Hochul next June.
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams has formed an exploratory committee ahead of an anticipated campaign for governor. Other potential Democratic contenders include Rep. Tom Suozzi and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
On the Republican side, Rep. Lee Zeldin has secured the backing of a number of GOP county leaders.
