Andrew Cuomo is now past tense….
The new Governor, Lt. Gov Hochul, is promising about 18 months of ‘change’ from the Cuomo 3 therms…..
She is already working on grabbing the media focus to go forward….
And?
Better known Democrats like incoming NYC Mayor Adams and current NYS Attorney General James are flooding around for the 2022 election….
Our resident historian here at the BDog points out the Lt. Governors tend to get their own full term when they have to take things over….
The states political shakers and movers will be teaching for who they can back and have influence with….
We’ll see how things shake out….
But Cuomo’s people ARE entrenched deeply around the state….
Across the state, Democrats moved urgently to fill the vacuum created by the absence of a man who spent years seeking to exert total control over their party.
At the State Capitol in Albany, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul held her first news conference as governor-in-waiting, sending a message about the importance of maintaining government continuity. Democrats buzzed in private conversations about whom she might appoint to her team, as she promised “turnover” from Mr. Cuomo’s administration after he resigned in disgrace.
Many people expressed hope for a stronger working relationship between the executive and legislative branches, following a period during which Mr. Cuomo — who never shied away from using intimidation as a tactic — often had toxic or nonexistent relationships with state lawmakers and sought to govern on his own terms instead.
“This is a moment of great opportunity for the executive branch and, frankly, state government to reset,” said State Senator Shelley B. Mayer, a Yonkers Democrat. “Culturally, it’s an opportunity to reset.”
But along with a chance for new beginnings once Mr. Cuomo officially departs in less than two weeks, many Democrats were already focusing much deeper into the calendar.
In New York City, on Long Island and around the state, conversations among donors, activists and party strategists about the governor’s race next year have accelerated, now that it is clear the contest will not involve challenging Mr. Cuomo and his daunting war chest in a primary.
The race begins with Ms. Hochul, who said on Thursday that she intends to seek a full term next year. She would do so with the notable advantages of incumbency….
image….Gabriela Bhaskar/The New York Times
Sabato’s people early look at NY Governor race next year that compliments my view….
Cuomo Out: NY-GOV Remains Likely Democratic in Ratings
Even though Hochul has been in the No. 2 job for several years, it likely will be difficult to tie her to Cuomo’s misdeeds. That said, and assuming Hochul runs for the governorship next year, she very well may not be strong enough to prevent other notable Democrats from running in next year’s Democratic primary: James is one possibility, and there may be many other contenders. Outgoing New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) didn’t rule out a gubernatorial bid several days ago, although he has become so unpopular that we doubt he’d have much of a chance even if he ran….
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