New York AG Letitia James expected to announce run for governor

Ahead of New York's 2022 governor race, it has been speculated that State Attorney General Letitia James is planning on throwing her hat in the ring.

Top James aides have reportedly been calling elected officials and labor leaders to ask for an for early endorsement of a 2022 Democratic primary run against current Governor Kathy Hochul, four people familiar with the conversations told The City.

"The goal is whatever they can get as soon as possible," said one source.

James is also in the midst of filming a campaign add, according to one The City source, and two other sources noted that her campaign announcement in imminent.

A spokesperson for James, Delaney Kempner, said in an emailed statement that she "has made a decision regarding the governor's race. She will be announcing it in the coming days."

Hochul, previously lieutenant governor to former Governor Andrew Cuomo, assumed the governorship in late august after Cuomo resigned.

Cuomo stepped down following a report from James' office that found the former governor sexually harassed 11 females.

Also eyeing a run for governor are New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

According to a Sienna College Research Institute poll released last week, they found that Hochul is currently in the lead amongst potential voters at 39 percent, James at 20 percent, de Blasio at 10 percent, and Williams at eight percent.