Gov. Kathy Hochul's bid for a full term next year was endorsed by two Democrats in the state Senate on Friday as she faces a competitive challenge for the party's nomination. 

Hochul secured the backing of state Sen. Tim Kennedy of the Buffalo area and Sen. Diane Savino, who represents Staten Island. 

Both lawmakers are influential: Kennedy is the chair of the Senate Transportation Committee; Savino is a former Labor Committee chair in the chamber who has strong ties to unions. 

“It is a privilege to be endorsed by my two long-time friends Diane Savino and Tim Kennedy,” Hochul said. “Diane and Tim are tireless advocates for their districts and regions, and they have been strong partners in the Senate to advance priorities that help working families in New York. The people of Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Erie County can be proud to have these fighters in Albany, and I’m proud to stand with them as we grow New York’s economy, create good-paying jobs, and beat back COVID.”