Working Families Party endorses primary challenger to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul

On Tuesday, The New York Working Families Party announced that they would be formally endorsing New York gubernatorial candidate Jumaane Williams, who is a Democrat.

Williams is challenging fellow Democrat and incumbent New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who filled the seat after former Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned, for the Democratic primary.

“We’re thrilled to announce our endorsement of @JumaaneWilliams for Governor,” said the New York Working Families Party in a statement on Twitter Tuesday evening. “Jumaane has been a champion for working New Yorkers since day one. We can count on him to fight for affordable housing, health care for all, and excellent schools.”

Williams followed up saying that he was honored to have the support of the group. The gubernatorial candidate tweeted in response, “Throughout my career of taking on the powerful to create change, @NYWFP has been with me on the side of political courage & conviction – not convenience. We’ve fought & won many battles before, & I’m honored to have their support as we work to bring transformational change to NY.”

Williams launched his candidacy for the office last November, highlighting his progressive agenda and previous activism on issues like deportation and aggressive policing. As a former New York City councilman, Williams has received the support of several current members of the city council. 

Other people vying for the Democratic nomination for governor include Hochul as well as Rep. Thomas Suozzi, a Democrat. Last month, Hochul announced that she had raised over $20 million for her campaign since its launch last August.

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced previously that she also planned to run for the office, but she followed up in December saying that she would be focusing on her current role and holding off on her campaign.