A major conference of New York political leaders in Puerto Rico is wrapping up, and the campaign for governor is now in full swing with the mayor’s race over.
Both Gov. Kathy Hochul and her rival, Attorney General Letitia James, made the rounds at the Somos conference in San Juan on Saturday, but there was plenty of talk – and sightings — on the island of other candidates who may be jumping into the race, including Mayor Bill de Blasio.
What You Need To Know
- Both Gov. Kathy Hochul and her rival, Attorney General Letitia James, made the rounds at the Somos conference in San Juan on Saturday
- While Hochul and James attended events these past few days, other candidates showed up as well
- Mayor Bill de Blasio, Rep. Tom Suozzi and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone also made appearances
- James and Hochul are the only two officially declared candidates
Hochul seemed to be at just about all of the meetings that took place over the course of four days.
“I’m proud to be here and support my friends in labor,” she said. “Yesterday I spent time with the governor here, and we discussed how we can create good-paying clean energy jobs right here in Puerto Rico.”
The only other announced candidate in the race for New York state governor, James, also made multiple appearances over several days, with her most impassioned pleas for support coming Friday night and Saturday morning.
“All of us need to be a part of the government. All of us need to raise our voices. All of us need to be in the middle class. And all of us need to come out and vote for the next governor in 2022,” James said. “Her name is Letitia James.”
But there are several other potential candidates who are thinking about jumping in, including the outgoing mayor of the city of New York.
“I am very devoted to public service. It wouldn’t be a surprise after eight years, particularly with the challenges of the last two years, if someone felt like doing something different and taking a break,” de Blasio said. “I don’t feel that. I feel energized by having led us through all this. I really do. And I feel ready to do more. I’ll decide how and when.”
On Saturday, Long Island and Queens Rep. Tom Suozzi, who is seriously considering running himself, arrived at Somos to talk about the landmark infrastructure bill he and his colleagues had just passed the night before. Not surprisingly, he also had a minute to discuss his political future.
.@RepTomSuozzi criticizes @RepLeeZeldin @RepAOC and @JamaalBowmanNY for their “no” votes on infrastructure bill.
“They are two sides of the same coin. So far out on the fringe instead of working to get stuff done.”
Suozzi mulling a run for Governor. pic.twitter.com/IW5mvXfgrn
— Zack Fink (@ZackFinkNews) November 6, 2021
“Yeah, I’m absolutely looking at that. I’d love to be the governor of New York state,” Suozzi said. “I’m focused on what we are doing on Washington right now with infrastructure, and SALT is part of that. But I will make a determination by the end of the month.”
But Suozzi is not the only politician from Long Island who is thinking about entering the race. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone also showed up.
“I’m obviously concerned about where we are going in this state. I am thinking about that,” Bellone said. “I am looking at what is happening, and I’ll be making determinations in the coming weeks.”
Another candidate who could potentially get into the race is New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. Sources say he is expected to announce his run for governor as soon as next week.
