Syndication: Westchester
NEW YORK (77WABC/AP) — Gov. Kathy Hochul has reportedly selected State Senator Brian Benjamin as her choice for lieutenant governor. That’s according to a person familiar with the administration’s internal discussions who spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Hochul has not yet publicly made the decision.
“I’m very excited. Brian Benjamin is a wonderful choice,” former Harlem Congressman Charles Rangel told The New York Post. “Brian is active and appreciated in the community.”
The announcement is expected to come this week. If he accepts the job, Benjamin would become the state’s second Black lieutenant governor after former Governor David Patterson.
Benjamin ran in the Democratic Primary for New York City Comptroller earlier this year, but lost to Brooklyn City Councilmember Brad Lander.
Benjamin, who represents Harlem and parts of Washington Heights, was first elected to the state Senate in 2016 and has since served two terms. The Democrat has focused his legislative career on criminal justice reform and affordable housing.
