NEW YORK – There are less than two weeks left before the Democratic primary in New York’s gubernatorial race, and with early voting starting this weekend, each of the candidates is looking for a boost in Thursday’s debate.
The debate, hosted by NBC 4 New York/WNBC, Telemundo 47/WNJU and the Times Union, will see Governor Kathy Hochul, Long Island Congressman Tom Suozzi and New York City Public Defender Jumaane Williams square off from 7 p.m. on WNBC and WNJU digital and on-air platforms.
For Hochul, it’s a chance to increase his lead in the polls ahead of primary day. She has had a big lead over Suozzi and Williams in most polls, including one in late March in which she had a 40 percent lead over the other two candidates.
He also got a big endorsement this week, as New York City Mayor Eric Adams endorsed his campaign.
“Let’s put Kathy Hochul back in the Governor’s Mansion. I strongly support her,” Adams said Wednesday.
He and Hochul have hit it off since she took office nine months ago, a stark contrast to the contentious relationship between former Mayor Bill de Blasio and former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
However, Adams had been late in making a backup. While Williams has clashed with the mayor over police policy, Suozzi is considered a close ally of Adams, who considered a job in the Adams administration before launching his campaign.
“I still think of Eric Adams as a brother, but if he wants to stop crime from rising in New York, he’s going to need a new governor in Albany to fix bail reform. I will,” Suozzi said after Hochul got the endorsement. of the mayor.
Adams said there was no bad faith between him and Suozzi, also calling him sister.
“We’re still brothers… I love Tom,” the mayor said.
Moderators for Thursday’s debate include WNBC news anchor David Ushery, WNBC political reporter Melissa Russo, WNJU morning news anchor and “Focus New York” public affairs show host Allan Villafana, and Casey Seiler, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of the Times Union.
On the Republican side, four candidates pledged to undo years of one-party rule and focus on fighting crime and improving the economy if elected to office during their debate on Monday.
The Republican field includes US Representative Lee Zeldin, former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and businessman Harry Wilson. Candidate Andrew Giuliani, the son of the former New York City mayor, appeared remotely after he said he was barred from participating in person because he refused to provide proof that he was vaccinated against COVID-19.
It’s an uphill battle for Republicans vying for the governor’s office in New York, where registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans by more than 2 to 1. The state’s last Republican governor was George Pataki, who held the position from 1995 to 2006.
Astorino, a former Republican radio industry professional and two-term Westchester County executive, is running for governor for the second time. Zeldin, a Trump ally and Army veteran who has represented New York’s 1st Congressional District since 2015, accused Democrats of being soft on criminals and overzealous in imposing security protocols meant to combat COVID-19. 19.
Johnstown businessman Harry Wilson entered the race this spring by launching a $12 million television ad campaign. He worked for Goldman Sachs and founded a White Plains advisory firm, and also served as an adviser to the US Department of the Treasury under former President Obama.
Early voting begins on Saturday and lasts for nine days. Primary day is June 28.
Don’t miss it on all our platforms this Thursday, June 16. at 7pm
–
