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Hochul meets with potential allies, running mates in NYC

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Published  August 17, 2021 10:35pm EDT
Kathy Hochul
FOX 5 NY

Hochul in NYC

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who will become governor on Aug. 24, spent the day in New York City meeting several officials, including Mayor Bill de Blasio and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

NEW YORK - Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Bill de Blasio were all smiles in a picture tweeted by the soon-to-be governor following their meeting in New York City on Tuesday. It was a sharp contrast from the mayor's relationship with Gov. Andrew Cuomo. 

Hochul ventured downstate, in part, to build up her name and face recognition since she's running for governor in 2022.

"Kathy Hochul has said herself that she's been stronger upstate than downstate," Democratic strategist Basil Smikle said. "So it makes sense to meet with leaders downstate to try to strengthen that base since Democratic primaries for governor are generally won in New York City and in our suburbs."

She also met with Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, a progressive, who ran against Hochul in 2018 for lieutenant governor in a hard-fought race.

"It's an important move to say that 'I'm willing to work with progressives,' particularly as the state legislature has become more progressive," said Smikle, the director of the Public Policy Program at Hunter College.

RELATED: Kathy Hochul, New York's new governor, taking office Aug. 24

Meeting with Jumaane Williams has additional benefits, Smikle added. Williams has not ruled out running for governor himself in 2022 or he could run for lieutenant governor again.

"It is possible that he could run for lieutenant governor as she seeks a full term as governor," he said. "So if, for example, she becomes governor and he actually wins and becomes lieutenant governor, it'd be good to establish a working relationship with him now."

Interview with public advocate

FOX 5 NY's Lori Stokes spoke to New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. He talked about sending aid to Haiti and his meeting with Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Plus, Hochul is also in the city looking for a lieutenant governor to serve with her now and who will remain on her ticket in 2022 when she could likely face state Attorney General Letitia James as an opponent. Hochul wants to select a person of color.

"I definitely think it takes some of the strength away from other opponents, potentially someone like Tish James, who also represents and has support from a large contingency of progressives around the city in the state," Smikle said.

Who is Kathy Hochul?

Lt. Gov. Kathy C. Hochul is in line to become governor of New York when Andrew Cuomo resigns. Here are some quick facts about the seasoned public official. (Produced by Arun Kristian Das)