Although he did not submit his name for the party’s nomination at the Democratic convention Thursday, Tom Suozzi did address members of the state committee, and introduced people to his running mate for lieutenant governor.

What You Need To Know

  • Tom Suozzi selected former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer to chair his campaign

  • Latinos are expected to account for close to 20% of the Democratic Primary vote in June

  • State party was criticized at their convention this week for lack of Latino representation

“I wanted to introduce Diana Reyna who is my running mate. I introduced Diana yesterday. Diana was a member of the City Council for 12 years,” Suozzi said to the crowd. “She was deputy borough president to Eric Adams. She is the first Dominican American to be elected to any office in New York City. She and I share something in common. We are both first generation Americans. My father was born in Italy. Her parents were both born in the Dominican Republic. We both share the same values.”

On Thursday night, Suozzi held a “Tele Town Hall,” where he announced to voters that former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer would be chairing his campaign for governor.

It’s part of a larger strategy for Suozzi to court the Latino vote.

“Yes, I feel the Latino vote is up for grabs,” explained political analyst Eli Valentin. “The interesting thing is that typically and historically the Latino vote even within Democratic primaries tend to be a sort of swing vote.”

Experts say they expect anywhere from 18-20% of the primary vote to come from Latino voters statewide. 

Suozzi’s rollout of his team was also fortuitously timed, because state convention organizers were criticized for not having any Latino speakers. They added three elected officials the day before, including Congressman Adriano Espaillat, who nominated Letitia James for State Attorney General. 

“On one hand it is not surprising,” Valentin added. “What we have seen over the years is a disregard, at very best disregard, but it’s really disrespectful.”

Suozzi is also out with a pair of new ads, one of which targets Hochul on crime.

Suozzi says some Democrats, including Hillary Clinton, have tried to talk him out of running. But he says he enjoys the underdog status. And that he’s been running campaigns that way his whole career.