Rep. Hakeem Jeffries Jumps on Board Hochul’s Gubernatorial Campaign
By: Serach Nissim
On Sunday, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, a top Democrat in the House, endorsed Gov. Kathy Hochul’s gubernatorial bid. As reported by the NY Post, Jeffries, who is a front-runner to replace House Speaker Nancy Pelosi when she leaves Congress, said Hochul is “the right choice for governor”.
“Governor Hochul has proven herself to be a tireless advocate for all New Yorkers and is dedicated to addressing the needs of working families,” Jeffries said in a press release. “From creating good-paying jobs to keeping our communities safe and getting our schools back on track, Governor Hochul has hit the ground running to build a New York that leaves no one behind.” Jeffries, who represents parts of Brooklyn and Queens, added, “She is the right choice for governor and I’m proud to endorse her for a full term.”
“I am honored to be endorsed by Congressman Hakeem Jeffries whose leadership in Congress has benefited families across New York and the nation,” replied Gov. Hochul in a prepared statement. Gov. Hochul, who took over for disgraced former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in August, boasts a long list of New York lawmakers who are backing her gubernatorial bid. On Wednesday, Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-Upper Manhattan) endorsed Hochul, lauding her “work ethic, determination, and a commitment.” The next day, Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-Bronx) endorsed her, praising her “proven record fighting for New Yorkers”. There are over a dozen other backers including Rep. Gregory Meeks, the Queens Democratic Party boss, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-Upper West Side), state Assembly members Manny De Los Santos and Yudelka Tapia, and New York City Council members Oswald Feliz and Shaun Abreu.
The June Democratic primary is coming up, and Hochul will have fierce competition, however. Other Democrats running for the job include Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Rep. Tom Suozzi of Long Island. As per the Post, former Gov. Cuomo has also announced that he will launch a bid for reelection, though he is considered to be a longshot. Most polls indicate that Gov. Hochul has a comfortable lead.
November’s general election will also include a Republican candidate— for now the leader of the crop is Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Long Island). Other Republican contenders include Andrew Giuliani, the son of former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and GOP businessman and former state comptroller candidate Harry Wilson. They will face off in their own Republican primary in June.
