Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday named Harlem State senator Brian Benjamin as her choice for Lt. Governor.
Benjamin represents the 30th State Senate District in New York City, and he comes from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Hochul says he’ll be sworn in after Labor Day.
Hochul called Benjamin a dear friend who worked his way up through local community service after he decided to move from a banking career to public service.
State Republicans immediately issued a statement calling Benjamin a “defund the police” supporter. He’s been a supporter of criminal justice reform measures in the Senate.