Hochul Endorsed By State Democratic Chair As Gov's Race Heats Up

NEW YORK, NY — Governor Kathy Hochul was endorsed Monday by the head of the state's Democratic Party, as the party establishment seeks to clear the field for the incumbent ahead of what could be a competitive primary next year.

Jay Jacobs, Chair of the New York State Democratic Committee, announced the endorsement at a news conference Monday. The pick came amid reports that Attorney General Letitia James is hinting strongly that she may challenge Hochul in next September's primary, with others including Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Mayor Bill de Blasio also expressing interest.

"In this business, loyalty, unfortunately, is a scarce commodity," Jacobs said at a news conference Monday morning.

Jacobs, an erstwhile ally of disgraced former governor Andrew Cuomo, raised eyebrows Monday when he admitted he had called Cuomo "as a courtesy" before announcing the endorsement. The ex-governor retains more than $18 million in campaign funds, fueling speculation that he may run again one day.

"The governor does have a significant campaign war chest — Governor Cuomo, that is," Jacobs said, adding that he thought it would be "counterproductive" for Cuomo to seek a comeback.

Hochul ascended to the governorship in August following Cuomo's resignation amid allegations of sexual harassment. She has been aggressively fundraising as she seeks to win a full term next year.