A trio of state lawmakers on Wednesday will endorse Attorney General Letitia James' bid for the Democratic nomination for governor.
The lawmakers include state Sen. James Skoufis of the Hudson Valley, Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre of Suffolk County and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic of Queens.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of such dedicated public servants like State Senator James Skoufis, Assembly Members Kimberly Jean-Pierre, and Nily Rozic. As Governor, I would be proud to fight alongside them as we work to make New York more affordable for families, create good paying jobs and take on the status quo that’s just not cutting it for New Yorkers," James said. "We need transformational change that uplifts all New Yorkers and with their help I know we can create a better New York for everyone.”
Skoufis, a Democrat who chairs the chamber's investigations panel, pointed to the variety of entities James has launched inquiries into, including the National Rifle Association.
“Attorney General Letitia James is the changemaker New York needs as governor to take on the powerful interests and status quo on behalf of the most vulnerable," Skoufis said in a statement. "Whether it’s taking on Big Pharma, the NRA or Donald Trump, Attorney General James has never backed down and as governor I know she will keep relentlessly fighting for New Yorkers. I am proud to endorse Attorney General James’ historic candidacy for governor.”
James launched her campaign for governor last month ahead of what is expected to be an increasingly crowded primary field following the resignation of Gov. Andrew Cuomo. James' office in August release a report detailing allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior against Cuomo by 11 women -- the culmination of an independent investigation that began earlier in the year.
Gov. Kathy Hochul in August said she would seek a full term next year. New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams has also filed paperwork to run for governor, as has outgoing New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Rep. Tom Suozzi is expected to announce at the end of the month whether he will run for the nomination.
James, meanwhile, has picked up endorsements from state lawmakers, labor unions and organizations like the Democratic Attorneys General Association.
“New Yokers need a governor who will fight for our most vulnerable and that person is Attorney General James," Jean-Pierre said. "Whether it was in the City Council, as Public Advocate or as Attorney General, Letitia James has always fought to make people's lives better and as governor I know she will deliver the same results. I am proud to endorse Attorney General Letitia James.”
Said Rozic, “Attorney General James is running an historic, changemaking campaign and I am proud to endorse her for governor. We need a governor who will take on the status quo and will fight for working people and that person is Attorney General James. Throughout her career, Attorney General James has always put working people first and I know as governor she will fight to make sure every New Yorker has opportunities. She will make a great governor.”