New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, a veteran left-wing politician who unsuccessfully ran for lieutenant governor in 2018, announced Tuesday he is running for governor of New York.
Making official the expected attempt to oust Gov. Kathy Hochul via a two-minute gubernatorial campaign launch video, the former City Council member touted his activism on police reform and anti-establishment bona fides.
“Right now, our state needs to move forward from a pandemic, from an era of scandal and from the old ways of governing that have failed so many for so long,” he said.
“As I move around our state, I can see that we all want similar things, face similar obstacles, and struggle against the same entrenched system.
“There’s a movement building in New York, a courageous, progressive movement that challenges the powerful and helps restore that power to the people — a movement I’m proud to be a part of,” he added.
Williams, who earlier this month was re-elected in his current post, joins a crowded field of contenders in the June Democratic primary.
State Attorney General Letitia James, whose monumental sexual harassment probe led to disgraced ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s resignation, officially launched her expected bid last month.
Lame-duck Mayor Bill de Blasio, who has for months not ruled out running for governor, has also taken steps toward a statewide run.
Rep. Tom Suozzi of Long Island is another potential contender in the race.
Hochul, who was sworn in in August, shortly before taking office declared that she will seek a full term.