ALBANY, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy C. Hochul has chosen Brian A. Benjamin, a Democratic state senator from Harlem, to be her lieutenant governor, the second highest-ranking place in New York State, in keeping with an individual conversant in the choice.
Ms. Hochul, a Democrat from Western New York who was sworn in because the state’s first feminine governor on Tuesday, is anticipated to announce the appointment later this week.
The number of Mr. Benjamin, who’s Black, underscored Ms. Hochul’s try and diversify her ticket as she mounts her first marketing campaign for governor subsequent yr, selecting a possible operating mate who may assist broaden her enchantment within the voter-heavy New York Metropolis area.
Mr. Benjamin is the senior assistant majority chief within the State Senate, the place he has been a vocal proponent of prison justice reforms. He ran unsuccessfully for metropolis comptroller earlier this yr, putting fourth in a crowded Democratic main.
Ms. Hochul’s workplace declined to remark. Mr. Benjamin, 44, who represents a big swath of Higher Manhattan, didn’t reply to a request for remark.
A lieutenant governor turns into governor when the governor dies, resigns or is impeached. She or he additionally serves as appearing governor when the governor is absent or disabled.
However the place, which turned vacant on account of Ms. Hochul’s ascension after former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s resignation, has historically served a largely ceremonial function, entrusted with few statutory duties moreover the formality of serving as president of the State Senate.
Over the previous few weeks, Ms. Hochul had indicated that she supposed to pick out somebody from New York Metropolis. Certainly, Ms. Hochul, who’s white, had approached a handful of metropolis politicians who’re individuals of shade, together with State Senator Jamaal Bailey, a rising star in Bronx politics; Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte, the chief of Brooklyn’s Democratic Get together; and Rubén Díaz Jr., the outgoing Bronx borough president.
A graduate of Brown College and Harvard College, Mr. Benjamin labored at Morgan Stanley and was a managing companion at Genesis Corporations, an actual property agency with a concentrate on reasonably priced housing, earlier than coming into politics.
In 2017, he ran for the State Senate seat vacated by Invoice Perkins, who had received a seat within the Metropolis Council. He emerged because the Democratic Get together’s decide for the seat after a conference vote in March and went on to simply defeat his Republican opponent within the overwhelmingly blue district, assuming workplace that June.
As a senator, Mr. Benjamin has backed efforts to shut Rikers Island and supported laws on a spread of prison justice points, from ending money bail and reforming discovery to ending solitary confinement and reforming parole legal guidelines.
He has additionally sponsored payments to get banks to divest from personal for-profit prisons and create a so-called “wet day fund” that New York Metropolis may faucet into throughout fiscal emergencies.
Mr. Benjamin said earlier this year that he supported the defund the police motion.
“He’s vivid, he’s clever and I feel he’ll be a terrific decide,” mentioned Keith L.T. Wright, the chairman of the Democratic Get together in Manhattan and a detailed buddy of Mr. Benjamin’s who backed his Senate candidacy. “I’ve seen picks that haven’t been so nice. I feel he can be somebody who would roll up his sleeves and get to work.”
Earlier this yr, Mr. Benjamin sought citywide workplace, operating in a aggressive main for comptroller that included Corey Johnson, the speaker of the Metropolis Council, and Councilman Brad Lander, who emerged victorious because the standard-bearer of the celebration’s left flank.
Throughout his run for comptroller, Mr. Benjamin’s marketing campaign relinquished almost two dozen donations after The Metropolis raised questions on their authenticity.
Mr. Benjamin trailed badly within the race and didn’t appear to realize vital traction, maybe elevating questions on what number of votes from New York Metropolis he may assist Ms. Hochul appeal to as a operating mate, particularly if the governor faces a main problem from an individual of shade.
Jumaane Williams, the town’s public advocate, has mentioned he’s actively exploring a run for governor and Letitia James, the state legal professional normal, is taken into account a robust candidate, regardless that she has given no indication that she intends to run.
“Brian didn’t have a profitable run citywide, however that doesn’t imply he received’t have a profitable run statewide,” mentioned Christina Greer, an affiliate professor of political science at Fordham College. “He has a monetary background and will impress Black voters. He would translate properly upstate.”
Michael Blake, a former assemblyman from the Bronx who endorsed Mr. Benjamin within the comptroller race, emphasised that Mr. Benjamin ought to be acknowledged for his expertise and expertise, not simply how his race and standing amongst Black voters may support Ms. Hochul politically.
“I feel it’s essential to understand that Brian is gifted, and he’s additionally Black,” Mr. Blake mentioned.
“Persons are at all times taking note of expertise even when there isn’t a success,” Mr. Blake added. “He ran for metropolis comptroller — I feel he was probably the most certified — and misplaced, however on the finish of the day, God had larger plans for him.”