Erie County Legislature Democratic Caucus Endorses Governor Kathy Hochul’s Campaign

NEW YORK – The Erie County Legislature Democratic Caucus today announced their endorsement of Governor Kathy Hochul’s campaign for a full term. The legislators praised Governor Hochul’s broad range of experience at all levels of government and longstanding commitment to fighting for Western New York values.

“As an Erie County native, earning the support of friends and dedicated public officials who I have known for many years is an incredible honor,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “Together, we are fighting to ensure Western New York and communities throughout our state have the tools they need to thrive as we continue to combat the pandemic and build back a brighter future.”

Erie County Legislator and Comptroller-Elect Kevin R. Hardwick

“Kathy Hochul and I served Erie County as independently elected officials at the same time. Not only have I worked with her as a colleague in county government, I have watched her ascend from Hamburg Town Board to county clerk, from Congress to the governor’s mansion, and through it all, she has remained true and steadfast in her dedication to those she served. Kathy is a fierce and tireless advocate, highly qualified, and the exact leader that New York State needs at such a pivotal moment in our nation’s history.”

Erie County Legislator Howard Johnson, District 1

“Our state has come a long way under in just a few months, and we cannot stop now. The pandemic hit urban communities hard, and Kathy Hochul understands our needs. She has been fighting for Western New York for three decades, and we know that we can count on her to fight for us. Governor Hochul has the vision and skills New York needs at this crucial time, and I proudly endorse her campaign for a full term.”

Erie County Legislator April Baskin, District 2

“Kathy Hochul has been a trailblazer for women in politics, and during her time as a town council member and Erie County clerk she demonstrated that you can achieve real progress as a local official. I also appreciate her commitment to making government work for the people it serves. During her time in Albany, Governor Hochul has demonstrated her mastery of the intricacies of government and policy, but she also never loses sight of the real men, women and children who are impacted by those decisions. Buffalo has come a long way in the past decade, but we still have much work to do in order to establish a thriving and equitable community for all our residents. Kathy Hochul is the governor we need right now, and I am proud to endorse her candidacy for governor.”

Erie County Legislator Lisa Chimera, District 3

“As a woman holding elected office, I cannot tell you the impact seeing our governor, Kathy Hochul, lead New York State has made on not only other women like me but in the minds of so many young girls I’ve been privileged to know and teach. Now is the time for a leader with compassion, someone who understands what it’s like to be a working mom, a true public servant who personally understands the struggle to find quality childcare or make sure dinner is on the table every night for her family. Kathy Hochul is truly the leader for this very moment, and I am ready to get to work on her campaign.”

Erie County Legislator Jeanne Vinal, District 5

“I am proud to endorse Kathy Hochul for Governor. As Chair of the Erie County Legislature’s Small Business Committee, it has been gratifying to see Governor Hochul promote entrepreneurs with her small business legislative package and by encouraging New Yorkers to shop locally. It is also gratifying to see a woman and a Western New Yorker in New York’s highest office during my lifetime. With her grit and commitment to doing the right thing, she embodies Western New York’s values and I look forward to working with the governor throughout 2022.”

Erie County Legislator Tim Meyers, District 7

“The rest of the state is learning what we in Western New York have known for a long time: When faced with a challenge, Kathy Hochul rolls up her sleeves and gets to work. As a town board member in Cheektowaga and as Majority Leader of the Erie County Legislature, I have learned how important it is to have state leadership that is willing to work local government. Governor Hochul will collaborate with local officials across our state to keep New York on the right track. I am excited to endorse her and look forward to working with her in 2022 and beyond.”

Erie County Legislator John Gilmour, District 9

“Kathy is truly one of us. She’s from Hamburg, the place where I have chosen to raise my family and a town I am proud to represent in the Erie County Legislature. It cannot be underestimated how important it is for Western New York to have someone who understands our working class values in Albany, fighting for us. I am proud to enthusiastically support Kathy Hochul’s campaign, where I know she’ll bring real world experience from her time in local government to the many tables where decisions are made for all New Yorkers.”