New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's bid for a full term on Thursday was endorsed by a Democrat who had previously endorsed Attorney General Letitia James' short-lived campaign for governor.
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin's campaign picked up endorsements a little closer to home as Rep. Tom Suozzi's campaign has counted tens of thousands of Democrats having participated in his tele-town hall events.
Here's a roundup of campaign news in New York.
Westchester County executive endorses Hochul
Late last year as she ran for governor, Attorney General Letitia James got the endorsement of a key New York City suburban Democrat: Westchester County Executive George Latimer.
But soon after, James ended her challenge for the Democratic nomination, opting instead to run for a second term as the state's top legal officer. And on Thursday, Latimer endorsed Hochul's campaign for a full term in the executive mansion.
“Kathy Hochul has a deep understanding of government based on her wealth of experience at the local, state, and federal levels," Latimer said. "The governor has proven time and again that she is committed to building a State that works for all New Yorkers. She has kept our economy open while protecting New Yorkers throughout the most recent COVID-19 surge and demonstrated a steadfast commitment to moving New York forward. It is for these reasons that I am proud to endorse Governor Hochul for a full term.”
The nod from Latimer was accompanied with endorsements from 15 county lawmakers for Hochul.
Suozzi: 45,000 Democrats (and counting) have been on town hall events
As the COVID-19 pandemic has curtailed in-person campaigning, Long Island Rep. Tom Suozzi has turned to tele-town hall events to introduce himself to voters. His campaign this week announced that, so far, 45,000 Democratic voters have participated.
“Speaking directly to voters and listening to their concerns is the most effective way to let New Yorkers know what I am about and what I want to do as their next Governor,” Suozzi said. "I am grateful that so many people from every corner of our great state joined my calls, asked questions, let me know what they think about the issues facing our state, and responded in such a positive way to our campaign.”
More events are planned as Suozzi seeks the Democratic nomination for governor.
Nassau Republicans back Zeldin
Republicans in Nassau County have been resurgent of late, winning back the county executive's office in November as well as a closely watched district attorney's race. On Thursday, more than 40 Republican officials in the county endorsed Rep. Lee Zeldin, from neighboring Suffolk County, for the GOP nomination for governor.
"Congressman Lee Zeldin is the person who can save our state, keep families safe, preserve our quality of life and stop Albany’s runaway taxes,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said. “I support Lee in the strongest terms because he is the right choice for Governor. There is too much at stake to continue along the extreme and dangerous path down which Governor Hochul is taking New Yorkers, which endangers our suburban way of life.”
Former Trump administration official Andrew Giuliani and former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino are also seeking the Republican nomination in the gubernatorial campaign.