A senior Republican state senator has filed the paperwork to run for governor of New York. Senate Deputy Majority Leader John DeFrancisco of Syracuse plans to formally announce his candidacy on Tuesday.
On Monday he filed papers with the state's Board of Elections. DeFrancisco, an attorney, was first elected to the Senate in 1992 and has emerged as a leading critic of Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo's record on taxes, spending and economic development.
DeFrancisco faces two other Republicans in the GOP primary: Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb of Canandaigua and former Erie County Executive Joel Giambra. Two other possible candidates, businessman Harry Wilson and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, said this month they will not run.
Cuomo is considered a possible 2020 presidential candidate. He is seeking a third term this fall.
