NY’s Democratic Chair backs Hochul for Gov. in 2022

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is getting the nod from her party’s leader in the next race for the position.

New York State Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs announced his endorsement for Hochul Monday morning. The governor announced her plans to run for a full term in 2022 shortly after taking over when Andrew Cuomo resigned.

Jacobs said this will be a tough election considering the turnover the party’s had at the position this year.

"Those who say a Republican cannot get elected governor or statewide in New York, I think are foolish," Jacobs said. "It is certainly something that we have to consider."

Jacobs is also endorsing Letitia James for re-election as State Attorney General.

Her name has been thrown out as a possible challenger to Hochul for the governor’s seat, but she has not made any formal announcement.

In a recent Siena poll, Hochul had a 42-17% favorability rating, however, 41% of respondents said they didn’t know enough about her or hadn’t formed an opinion yet.