New York State Attorney General Letitia James says she’s running for governor because she has the experience, vision, and courage.
She jumped into the race for governor with a 91 second video instead of a press conference live in front of New Yorkers.
The move wasn’t a total surprise, but the timing was unusual, as many Democratic chairpersons have already begun backing Governor Kathy Hochul for a full-term.
James’ entering means there will be a contested primary contest for governor.
I'm running for Governor of New York because I have the experience, vision, and courage to take on the powerful on behalf of all New Yorkers.
Let's do this, together. pic.twitter.com/JA21M19p5m— Tish James (@TishJames) October 29, 2021
She has served as attorney general since 2019. “I’ve held accountable those who mistreat and harass women in the workplace, no matter how powerful the offenders,” James added.
Hochul didn’t seem phased by James entering the race.
“This is my 13th election. People will always run. They will have their own reasons. And I know how to run campaigns,” Hochul said. “There will be plenty of times to talk about — and you’ll see my strategy, and what we’ll do. And we’ll be very engaged at some point, but I’ve been on the job a little over just 60 days. I have a lot of work to do, a lot of issues that need to be addressed. And that’s what voters and constituents want me focused on. Not be involved in politics.”
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected]