East Syracuse, N.Y. -- New York’s Republicans aim to get behind one gubernatorial candidate in June, an effort to jumpstart fundraising and campaigning to win a seat held by Democrats for the past 15 years.
“We need to do something different,” GOP state Chairman Nick Langworthy said today. “We are a year ahead of our previous timelines.”
Usually, parties designate candidates in February and March of the election year, a rule set by the state’s Board of Elections. Today, Langworthy acknowledged the party must follow that calendar.
But the goal, he said, is to back a single candidate by early summer in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2 to 1.
“We’re going to come back at that in June and try to coalesce around a single candidate for governor,” he said.
The new effort comes as Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat in his third term, is facing an impeachment inquiry and investigations that range from a book deal he secured last year to accusations of unwanted attention and harassment at work. Cuomo has denied any intentional wrongdoing and said he will not resign.
About 10 days ago, state GOP leaders met with Republicans who are interested in running for governor in 2020, a meeting Langworthy characterized as a “starter pistol” for their campaign.
Those who attended included Rep. Lee Zeldin of Long Island; Andrew Giuliani and Lewis County Sheriff Mike Carpanelli. Others considered as possible candidates include Rep. Elise Stefanik, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.
Overall, Langworthy said, about seven Republicans are interested. He said they are now meeting with local Republican leaders, asking for endorsements and support. Zeldin and Carpanelli already have launched campaigns.
Even if the party taps one person this summer, that doesn’t preclude other Republicans from mounting primary challenges.
Langworthy was in East Syracuse today to criticize Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Rachel May and Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, both of Syracuse, for what he called their continued support of Cuomo.
“Cuomo must be held accountable,” Langworthy said, and he urged Syracuse-area voters to let their local lawmakers know their feelings about the accusations surrounding the governor.
Magnarelli attended an announcement with Cuomo at the New York State Fair on Monday. May has called on Cuomo to resign.
Neither May nor Magnarelli immediately responded to requests for comment.
Got a story idea or news tip you’d like to share with a Syracuse-area reporter? Please contact me through email, Twitter, Facebook or at 315-470-2274.