Less than a week after the Nassau County Republican Committee endorsed U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) for governor, the county’s Democratic Party endorsed Gov. Kathy Hochul to retain her seat atop the state government on Tuesday.
Nassau County and state Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs touted Hochul’s accomplishments and efforts to cut taxes for New Yorkers since taking over for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in August.
“Governor Kathy Hochul has established that she has what it takes to govern New York effectively,” Jacobs said in a statement. “From the moment she assumed the role, she has led this state with empathy, intelligence, and actual common sense. She has been an advocate for Nassau County during her tenure as Lieutenant Governor ensuring that Long Island receives the resources we are entitled to.”
“The stakes couldn’t be higher in 2022, and we need to elect Democratic candidates who are committed to building stronger, safer communities,” Hochul said. “Nassau Democrats are united behind our campaign and ready to take on tough fights to get things done for hardworking Long Island families.”
While Hochul has now received an endorsement from the county’s Democratic party and a personal endorsement from its leader, local officials across Nassau County recently criticized the governor for a statewide plan that would require local municipalities to permit residents to build accessory dwelling units on single-family properties.
Some have claimed Hochul’s plan will destroy suburban areas throughout Nassau County and that ADUs could negatively impact the quality of life, electric and water supply, emergency services and other issues on Long Island.
Last month, Hochul rolled out a $25 billion five-year housing plan aimed at creating and preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York, 10,000 of which would have support services for vulnerable populations. Establishing ADUs could help senior citizens on fixed incomes remain in their homes, help younger people afford homes and be a new source of income for homeowners who live in high-cost areas.
The party also unanimously voted to endorse Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin, Attorney General Letitia James and state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Jacobs individually endorsed all of those Democratic candidates, including Hochul, last fall.
James announced in December that she was dropping out of the race for governor, tightening the contest for the Democratic nomination. James said in a statement she is focused on continuing her work as attorney general.
“I have come to the conclusion that I must continue my work as attorney general,” James said. “There are a number of important investigations and cases that are underway, and I intend to finish the job.”
