She would be the first Black woman governor in the country!
Attorney General Letitia James just announced her candidacy for New York governor, The New York Times reports. James is a veteran politician from Brooklyn who made history as the first Black woman to be elected to statewide office in New York. Over the years, she has garnered significant relationships in the Democratic camp with deep ties to progressive organizations like the Working Families Party.
She’s gained praise from liberals for how she’s handled several pertinent issues, including suing the National Rifle Association, investigating President Donald J. Trump, and overseeing the inquiry into claims against former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who eventually resigned.
“I’m running for governor of New York because I have the experience, vision, and courage to take on the powerful on behalf of all New Yorkers,” James captioned an announcement video on Twitter.
I’m running for Governor of New York because I have the experience, vision, and courage to take on the powerful on behalf of all New Yorkers.
advertisementLet’s do this, together. pic.twitter.com/JA21M19p5m
— Tish James (@TishJames) October 29, 2021
Currently, the Howard University graduate is the strongest challenger against Gov. Kathy Hochul who stepped in after Cuomo’s resignation. The interim governor recently named Senator Brian Benjamin as lieutenant governor, only the second Black man in the state’s history to hold the title. James will be working to make herself stand out politically from Hochul, but she already has some strong supporters in her corner.
“Since she was first elected as a Working Families Party candidate nearly 20 years ago, Tish has been a courageous fighter for everyday New Yorkers. We expect that Tish will campaign with a clear progressive vision for New York,” Sochie Nnaemeka, state director of the New York Working Families Party, said.
John Samuelsen, international president of the Transport Workers Union, also lent his support shortly after James’ announcement, saying, “[she] will be a governor that working New Yorkers can trust.”
The Transport Workers Union’s official endorsement was James’ first in the race for governor.
James’ announcement video says she’ll be running her campaign “for good-paying jobs, a health care system that puts people ahead of profits, to protect the environment, make housing more affordable and lift up our schools in every neighborhood.”
Her campaign for governor is expected to draw considerable support from Black voters of all walks of life, national donors interested in making history with her, and several left-leaning voters who support her Cuomo probes. James will also benefit from having a voter base that is the most engaged in the state.
“I’ve spent my career guided by a simple principle: Stand up to the powerful on behalf of the vulnerable. To be a force for change,” said James.
Congratulations, Letita! We’re rooting for you!
Photo Courtesy of The Imprint