Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro officially announced his candidacy for governor of New York on Monday morning before a raucous crowd of supporters at the village hall in his hometown of Tivoli.

Molinaro, a Republican who was elected mayor of the village of about 1,100 at age 19, spent a few minutes reminiscing about his modest upbringing with a crowd of about 200 before taking his first of many jabs at Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Molinaro, who has gained popularity here for his personal and open leadership style, drew contracts between himself and the governor. He did not speak much about his underdog opponent in the GOP primary, State Senator Jim DeFrancisco, instead focusing on Cuomo.

"The ability to do things both big and small has been infused with cynical, political calculation, and compromised by a culture of corruption," Molinaro said. "Today, our governor believes he is the government. He actually said it. 'I am the government.' He believes it. But I'm sorry, he's wrong."

Several times, after statements like these about the governor, the room broke out into a chant of "Let's go, Mark!" But while supporters in Tivoli yell his name, elsewhere in New York State, Molinaro is not a household name.

A Siena College poll released on Monday finds that 77 percent of likely voters do not have an opinion of Molinaro or do not know who he is.

A group of politically active college students spoke with Spectrum News after the event, recognizing Molinaro's low name recognition, saying they plan to head back to their campuses with a plan to mobilize. They said their peers are going to respond to Molinaro's style, and -- most importantly -- remember his name.

"At our College Republican meetings, we get full rooms," said New York Federation of College Republicans Vice Chairman Bobby Walker. "I think just driving those volunteers from colleges on getting them out for Marc is going to be the key."

When asked, Molinaro said he is well aware of his challenges with name recognition, and plans to spend much time on the road to lift his statewide profile.

"I understand how this works," Molinaro said in an interview after the announcement. "It's my responsibility to get out and explain to people my message and why I think I am the best candidate, and hopefully earn their support and vote."

After Monday's announcement, Molinaro hit the campaign trail with planned stops in Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, New York City and Long Island.